James Congleton departed this world surrounded by his family on March 1, 2015.
He was 80 years old and was born in Sheffield, Alabama on September 10, 1934.
He attended Sheffield High School. He joined the Navy in 1952 and came back to finish his senior year at Sheffield in 1955 where he met his wife, Patsy Bell. He worked at Reynolds Metals when he first married. He later went to work as an Electrician with T.V.A. belonging to I.B.E.W. Local 558 until he retired at an early age due to several health issues. During the last year of his life after again experiencing multiple surgeries and a stroke, he spent his last days in his home with family and friends where he loved to be. The celebration of his life will be Tuesday,March 3rd at the new Highland Park Baptist Church from 4- 6 p.m. with funeral service at 6 p.m. The Rev. Brett Pittman is officiating.
James “Monk” was a man of many talents- He had previously been an active member of the Sheffield Masonic Lodge 503 and was a Past Worshipful Master, was a member of Highland Park Baptist Church. He built two houses mostly by his self (including one for his mother where she spent her last years beside his home), built his own recording studio and operated it. He loved music, especially country music and was nicknamed Ernest Tubb in high school after entering a talent contest. With his love of music, he became a Square Dance Caller for several years. He later decided to open his own recording studio (Dixie Recording Studio) to record his music and other square dance callers, and eventually turned this studio into recording other local artists.
Survivors Patsy Congleton, wife, Sons: James (Jamey) Congleton, John Brandon Congleton and wife Katrina, Mark Congleton, Daughters: Michelle Willingham (huband/Mike) and Dana Koger (husband/Jeremy), Deceased Relatives: Mother and Father, Frank and Cora Congleton, Sisters: Dorothy Goss, Frances Williams and Mary Nell Wallace. Sr. Surviving Grandchildren: Ryan, Kris and Tyler Willingham; Summer, Savanna, and Sky Congleton; Kaitlyn and Kaili Congleton and Taylor Richards; Caleb. Jace and Braylen Koger, and 5 great grandchildren.
James love of his life was his family, wife and 5 children and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved spending his last months at home where he was surrounded by a loving family. The family wishes to thank the wonderful nurses and caregivers from Amedisys Hospice, Leigh, Brandi, Dorothy, Anne and caregiver, Jeannie Esslinger.
Pallbearers will be Ryan Willingham, Kris Willingham, Tyler Willingham, Sky Congleton, Jeremy Koger, Mike Willingham and Steve Crabb. Honerary pallbearers will be members of John Anderson’s Sunday School Class and The Masons.
