James Leland “Jim” Wesson Jr., 78, of Tuscumbia, Alabama, died at home on July 1, 2023, surrounded by his family, after an extended illness.
Jim was a native of Florence, Alabama. He attended Coffee High School in Florence, where he lettered in three sports and was selected for the Alabama All-State basketball team. He attended Martin College in Pulaski, Tennessee, on an athletic scholarship, playing basketball and baseball. He graduated from Florence State College in 1969 with a degree in Mathematics and Secondary Education.
In the early 1970’s, Jim was a teacher, head basketball and baseball coach and assistant football coach at Deshler High School in Tuscumbia. He left Deshler for the National Floor Products Company (NAFCO), where he spent 27 years in sales. He traveled throughout the United States and Canada for NAFCO, and, as National Sales Manager, became an industry leader and recognized expert and speaker on the marketing of consumer do-it-yourself flooring products. Jim later served as a senior sales representative with First Data Corporation. He retired in the 2000’s and spent the next decade working part-time for his good friends at the Black & Hughston law firm of Tuscumbia and Muscle Shoals, Alabama.
Jim was an avid golfer and a lover of the game. He served as a director of the Alabama Golf Association (AGA) for over 20 years. He was a member of the Turtle Point Yacht & Country Club, where he chaired the golf committee and served on the Board of Directors. Jim became known as a golf rules “guru” throughout Northwest Alabama, being called on regularly to provide definitive answers on rules questions and disputes. He particularly enjoyed serving as a mentor to young golfers. He volunteered as an official at many junior and college golf tournaments throughout Alabama in his position as an AGA director. He was especially proud of his close relationship with the University of North Alabama golf team.
Jim served on the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Art Association. He also served as a deacon at the First Baptist Church in Tuscumbia. He later joined Grace Episcopal Church in Sheffield, Alabama.
Jim is survived by his wife of 59 years, Karen Blackburn Wesson; son, William Michael Wesson (Leigh Willis); grandson, William Carter Wesson; and daughter-in-law, Valerie Terry Wesson. He was preceded in death by his son, James Leland Wesson, III; parents, James L. Wesson, Sr., and Lucille Braudaway Wesson; and sister-in-law, Betsy Ware Blackburn Speer.
A private graveside service will be held at the Oakwood Cemetery in Tuscumbia, with Reverend Danielle Thompson officiating. Friends are invited to join the family for a casual celebration of Jim’s long, faithful, and joyous life on July 16, 2023, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Locust Hill, 209 S. Cave St., Tuscumbia.
In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to the Tennessee Valley Art Association or the Helen Keller Public Library.
