James Ruben "Heartbeat" Brinkley, 77 of Hamilton, passed away Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at North Ms. Medical Center in Tupelo. Heartbeat retired as a tractor mechanic and farmer.  Survivors include Daughters: Myrtie (Don) Norrell, and Angy Pierce, and son: Jesse (Rhea) Brinkley, and mother to his children, Margaret Smith; stepdaughters, Judy Grimes, Kim Babb, and Heaven Roy, and stepson, Tracey (Michelle) Grimes, Brothers, Floyd (Louise) Jesse, Earl and John (Cindy) Brinkley; sister, Betty (Joe) Harris; and sisters-in-law Doris Tarkington Brinkley and Betty June Brinkley.  He was blessed with 17 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, James Brinkley; stepson, John Grimes; and second wife, Gloria G. Brinkley, Brothers:Harry L. Brinkley, Jr., W.H. "Bill" Brinkley, Willis "Sonny" Brinkley, Wesley "Shorty" Brinkley, Parents: Harry L. Brinkley and Myrtie B. Gardner, and stepfather, B.L "Tap" Gardner. A graveside service will be held at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at 3 pm.  Friends may join the family prior to the service from 12 pm to 2 pm at Parr Funeral Home & Crematory with limited gathering and social distancing.