James Lloyd Peoples

James Lloyd Peoples (James), 87 years old, resident of Helena (AL), passed away on August 11, 2025, after a lengthy and courageous battle with illness. He is preceded in death by his father, Lloyd W. Peoples, his mother, Kathleen D. McMillan, his brother, Hoyt W. McMillan, his grandparents, Ira and Lannie DeLay, and his aunts, Irene Looney and Emily Heaton. He is survived by his beloved wife, Carol, his brother, Robert K. McMillan, his children, Jeff (Rhoda), Christi (Durant), and Jay (Dava), his grandchildren, Katelyn (Marc), Caroline (Mike), Colby (Alyssa), Isabella (Caleb), and Walker, and his great-grandchildren, Theo and Harper, along with a host of extended family and friends who treasured him. James was born in Lindbergh, Alabama, on March 16, 1938. He lived a life characterized by service and self-sacrifice to his family, his friends, and his church community. As a devoted layman at both Adamsville Church of God and later Metropolitan Church of God, James served vital roles in the Sunday School ministry and church leadership in general. Whether roofing his church, visiting the unchurched in his community, or distributing food to those in need, James always preferred to work quietly, faithfully, behind the scenes. A proud graduate of Minor High School, he quickly went to work at American Cast Iron Pipe Company (ACIPCO). For over forty years, James distinguished himself on the job through his keen mind, innate craftsmanship, and attention to detail. He left ACIPCO as a master blacksmith and enjoyed a lengthy retirement with those he loved most, his family. Those he leaves behind feel an unmistakable sense of loss and an even stronger sense of gratitude for the life he lived, the legacy he walked out daily, and the countless ways in which he invested in those he loved.  Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation from 11:00 - 1:00 on Friday, August 15, at Metropolitan Church of God, 2800 Metropolitan Way, Birmingham. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 with a private interment at Jefferson Memorial Gardens afterward.