James Michael Doss, 79, passed away surrounded by loved ones on May 13, 2026.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. at Collins-Burke Funeral Home, funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the Collins-Burke Chapel. Burial will be at Curry Cemetery.
James was born in Winfield, Alabama December 19, 1946, the youngest son of Robert and Mary Jo Doss.
As a young man, James enlisted in the army and served his country in the Vietnam War. Upon returning, he picked up a family trade in brick masonry. James was a hard-worker, resourceful, attentive to detail, and incredibly skilled at his trade. He worked with many other men under his wing, including his only son, teaching them the craft of brick-laying, one brick at a time. In fact, James was so skilled in his trade, he later went on to build his family a home from the ground up.. a home which welcomed both children and grandchildren. Other examples of his beautiful craft can be seen at Walker Baptist, Curry Church of God, and the peacock at the Warrior River Motel, as well as a plethora of homes located throughout the county.
When he wasn’t at work, he was on the lake with his wife, children, and family friends. He had a deep love for being on the water under the Alabama sun. He spent many days and nights fishing, enjoying good company, and watching his kids grow up on Smith Lake. He also loved being in a garden, growing fresh tomatoes, and other produce. You could catch him outside every summer tanning his legs.
James, or Mike, or Dad, or Poppy depending on who you were had a heart of gold. Life was not always kind to him, but he never let it slow him down. He always got back up swinging. The last decade of his life was incredibly difficult for him due to his health, but he still showed up for his family, determined to make the most of each and every moment with them. He was full of wisdom, humor, and grit. The world will certainly be dimmer without him.
James will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his incredibly devoted wife Betty Joyce Doss of 57 beautiful years; 3 daughters, Cecilia Therese Parrish, Amee Suzette Carr (Scott,) Tammy Michele Brown; James had one beloved son, Bobby, and when Bobby’s life ended way too soon, James or “Poppy” without hesitation, jumped right in and then took his granddaughter Elissa Jade Doss Perkins (Noah) under his wing as both her loving grandfather, as well as her devoted father figure. He leaves behind many other grandchildren who if you asked him, were also the absolute lights of his life Felicia Lauren Ivey (Logan,) Alexa Morgan Brown, Ava Grace Brown, Cannon Michael Brown, Lucy Elisabeth Ivey, Benjamin Scott Ivey, Danielle Ryan Perkins, as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
James was preceded in death by his one and only son Bobby Michael Doss, who certainly welcomed him into heavens gates with open arms. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mary Jo Doss; his grandparents; his siblings Doug Doss, Ramona Keaton, Susan Cochran, Rebecca Woods.
