Grady C. James, Jr. joined his Savior, Jesus Christ in glory on August 4, 2013. Born on May 30, 1937 to the late Grady C. & Trudell (Richardson) James, Sr. he was the middle of three sons. He graduated from Deshler High School (1954) and then served in the U.S. Army. After returning home he met and married the love of his life, Lera Athelene Long. They were blessed with 54 years of marriage, three children, seven grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his loving wife; his children – Gwen Alewine and husband Tim of Muscle Shoals, Barry James of Sheffield, Gerald James and wife Marsha of Paragould, Arkansas; his grandchildren – Brian Alewine, Chris James (Linh), Amy Terry (Josh), David James (Kelsey), Joshua James, Hannah James, and Rebekah James; a great-grandson – Aston James; two brothers – Charles Delano James and wife Talma Ann of Oakland, TN, Joe James and wife Debbie of Franklin, TN; several nephews and nieces.
Grady was a graduate of Florence State University (now UNA) and for many years owned Morris Publishing of Sheffield. He was active in Kiwanis International and joyfully served with the Gideons International distributing God’s precious word. Foremost, he was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, a relationship which shaped every aspect of his life. He was a faithful, loving husband, a wonderful father, a devoted member of First Baptist Colbert Heights where he was blessed with many opportunities for service over the years and numerous friends whose fellowship brought more joy to life than words can express. Though Parkinson’s limited his mobility in his latter years he never lost his sense of humor, his love for family and friends or his love for Christ.
The family would like to thank Hospice of Tennessee Valley, especially Cindy, Amanda and Stephanie. Also special thanks to Kristen Fuller and to Linda Bratton for her tender and devoted care.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Colbert Heights Building Fund, Gideons International or the American Parkinson’s Foundation.
Visitation will be Tuesday, 6-8 at Morrison Funeral Home of Tuscumbia. His funeral service will be Wednesday, 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Colbert Heights with Seth Hood and Gerald James officiating. His body will be placed in the church one hour before the service. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery, Tuscumbia.
