James Jackson Summerford, III, lovingly known as J. J. or Junior, Hartselle, AL, passed away peacefully at his residence on February 22, 2016. He was born in Pascagoula, MS June 18, 1923 to James J. Summerford, Sr. and Ella (Tanner) Summerford. He was the second son of seven children born to this union. Ralph Tanner Summerford (deceased), Margaret Campbell, Birmingham, AL, Stella Brown, (Glenn “Boots”), Birmingham, AL, Louyn Summerford, (deceased) (Gloria), Rachel Fowler (Birmingham, AL),and Hugh Summerford, (deceased), (Jeanette).
After the death of his mother, the family welcomed a new loving mother, Ruby (Morris) Summerford and four more brothers and sisters: Nina Johnson (Waymon), Hartselle, AL, Willie Monroe (Ed), Hartselle, AL, Jack Summerford (Barbara), Danville, AL, and Sandra Anglea, (Jack), Decatur, AL.
After graduation from Falkville High School in 1942, J.J. joined the U. S. Navy and served 3 years of active duty, primarily in the South Pacific Theatre aboard destroyer escorts. Following his honorable discharge he attended Auburn University. Then, he became an Iron Worker as an employee at many different locations throughout the U.S. Returning to Hartselle, he owned and operated several small businesses in the Hartselle/Falkville/Decatur area. He was a high achiever and success in all his endeavors. He was an avid gardener and horticulturist, producing many varieties of pecans, perfecting the “Frickie” grapes for viticulture, a bee keeping expert – producing high yields of honey, a proficient mechanic, enthusiastic hunter, fisherman, & golfer. He lived outdoors! J.J.’s favorite relaxation was watching Auburn football and coaching from his armchair – “Tackle around the ankles!” He is now soaring with the Eagles and the gardens of Heaven will now grow and bloom more beautifully upon J. J.’s arrival.
He is survived by his wife, of 61 years, Drady (Bobbie) McElroy Summerford, one daughter, Jan Beucker (Brian) of Lancaster, PA, two granddaughters, Patty Randolph (Jonathan), Beth Reeves (Jason), six great grandchildren, Kari, Heather, Brooke, Deidre, Shawn, and Breanna and four great, great grandchildren, Braxton, Mason, Hannah Grace, and Landen and many nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers are Jim Tanner, Greg Rich, John Coffey, Billy McAbee, Dan Robinson, Jason Summerford, Jeremy Summerford, Doug Summerford, and James J. (Jim) Fowler,
Funeral services will be Wednesday, Feb. 24th, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Grad Tanner officiating. Burial will be in Hartselle City Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will be 1:00 p.m. until service time on Wednesday.
The family respectfully requests in lieu of flowers that contributions may be made to a charity of their choice.
