James Calvin Stivender, 97, of Gadsden, Alabama, passed away at home on Monday, October 4, 2021. Jim was born in Birmingham on September 2, 1924 to Dr. James and Nancy Victoria “Viccie” McEachern Stivender. He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Rebecca McCarley Stivender. He is survived by his wife Stella Stivender, who was faithfully by his side helping him with his fight with Parkinson’s; children John Stivender (Landon), Paul Stivender (Martha), Debbie Burt (Hunter), and Wally Walker (Molly); grandchildren Rebecca Stivender, Madeline Stivender Herndon (Stewart), Walton Stivender, Walker Woodall, Anna Claire Woodall, Sara Walker Spruiell (Harrison), and Caroline Walker.
He was a World War II veteran, serving as a crew member on a B17 Bomber in the 8th Air Force in the Army Air Corp from April 1943 until October 1945. He flew 35 combat missions over Germany. On his team’s 12th mission on November 30, 1944, the 8th Air Force lost 56 bomber and 30 fighter planes, and his plane “Butch” sustained heavy damage and lost an engine. At the time of his death, Jim was the last surviving member of his crew.
Jim graduated from Howard College (now Samford University) and the University of Alabama School of Law. Jim began practicing law in Gadsden in 1951 and served as a member of the Etowah County, State of Alabama, and American Bar Associations. At the time of his retirement, Jim was a partner of Inzer, Stivender, Haney, and Johnson Law Firm. In his earlier years, he served as Associate District Attorney and as Gadsden Municipal Court Judge. Jim served as past President of the Etowah County Bar Association and earned recognitions including Lawyer of the Year and Pillar of the Bar Award.
He was passionately committed to community and civic affairs. Jim was a life member of the Gadsden Kiwanis Club, serving as President and recipient of the George F. Hixson Award. He also served as Chairman of the Etowah County Red Cross Chapter, Captain of the Gadsden Quarterback Club, President of the Gadsden Country Club, Officer of the YMCA and Boys Club, and was inducted into the Etowah County Patriots Hall of Honor. Jim was a life Trustee at Samford University for 62 years including being past Chairman of the Board, and he served on the Board of Compass Bank for 32 years.
He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church Gadsden since 1951. Jim taught his Sunday School class (which is named in his honor) for 64 years and served as Deacon, Trustee of the Etowah Baptist Association, and on numerous boards and committees.
Jim truly lived life to the fullest, and his legacy is marked by his deep commitment to his family, church, friends, law practice, Samford University and sports (especially golf and football). He was a loving husband, father, granddaddy, and a loyal, generous friend.
Pallbearers will be Pete Alford, Buford Bowers, Mike Haney, Gordon Isbell III, Jim Inzer III, Bob McWhorter, Wayne Osteen and Randy Pittman. Serving as honorary pallbearers are members of the Stivender Sunday School Class, attorneys and employees of the Law Firm of Inzer, Haney, McWhorter, Haney & Skelton, Roscoe Johnson, administrators and Trustees of Samford University, members of the Etowah County Bar Association and members of the Gadsden Kiwanis Club.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to doctors and friends Ralph Wesley, Lucian Newman, Dan Sparks, G. Patel, Thomas Harper, Tommy Dowling, Comfort Care Hospice and special caregivers.
A graveside memorial and military service for Jim will be held on Sunday, October 10, 2021, at 2:00pm at Forrest Cemetery. Reverends Mat Alexander and Larry Furman of First Baptist Church Gadsden will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 235 South 5th Street, Gadsden AL 35901 or Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham AL 35229.
