Jim Bartlett, age 80, passed away Sept. 20, 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents, J.J. and Estelle Bartlett.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Anita Allen Bartlett; son, Joel Bartlett (Charlotte); daughter, Sonya Skipworth (Phillip); grandchildren, Ben Skipworth (Jessie) and Sarah Hood (Matt); siblings, Jerry Bartlett, Tom Bartlett (Loretta), Ann Preuitt (Ken), and Jane Dodd (Don); and 14 nieces and nephews.
Jim was born and raised in Double Springs, Alabama and moved to Florence in 1966. He attended Florence State College (UNA) and Alabama A&M. He owned a Mobile gas station on Florence Boulevard and a car lot on highway 72. Later he became the auto body instructor at Muscle Shoals Area Vocational School.
Jim was a charter member of Florence Baptist Church and was involved in all the men’s ministries, VBS/Sunday school teacher, and visitation ministry. He adored all the babies and children at church.
He enjoyed traveling to car shows with his side business “Kudzu Auto Parts.” He was affectionately called “Honest Jim.”
Jim was a generous soul, helping others, and constantly giving things to people. He was humorous, kind, and grateful.
Pallbearers will be Doug Young, Shane Purser, Brad Brooks, Steven Skipworth, Jake Skipworth, and Aaron Skipworth.
Visitation will be 10 a.m. to noon today at Spry-Williams Funeral Home, Florence. The funeral will be noon today at the funeral home chapel, with burial in Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens. You may sign the guest register at sprywilliams.com.
