James Whitson

James  Harold Whitson, 76 years old, died in the company of the love of his life on Monday morning March 7, 2022.  A memorial service will be held at the Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home at 2 pm on March 12, 2022.  After the service, those who wish to attend a celebration of his life are invited to join the family for stories and remembrances at the Pelham Recreation Center.
James is preceded in death by his parents Silas and Pearline Whitson, his brother Charles Whitson, and his sister Betty Joyce Herron.
He is survived by his wife Becky Whitson; daughters and sons in law, Mistie and Jeff Mc Adams and Stephanie and Ed Vinson; grandchildren, Wil Mc Adams, Ben McAdams, Madison Rocher McAdams, Maddie McAdams, Caroline Vinson and Sawyer Vinson; and his great grandson Grady McAdams. He is also survived by his brother Marshall Whitson and sister Sandra Melot.
James graduated from UAB in 1972 with a degree in accounting. He worked his entire career for BellSouth, where he started as a lineman and kept climbing in the company, so that when he retired he was in management.  He loved painting and was a well-loved artist in the area, teaching and exhibiting in art shows across the Southeast.  James was enthusiastic about exercise and greatly enjoyed biking, running, and other outdoor activities. He completed 29 marathons, ran in hundreds of shorter races, and competed in multiple 150 mile bike rides. He was passionate about Corvettes and instilled a love of cars in his grandsons. He took great pride in creating a beautiful lawn. James was invested in his life, living it fully and energetically.  He would spontaneously agree to a spur of the moment trip or adventure. You could not know James for very long without his pulling a prank or a joke. He was extremely quick witted and always looking to bring laughter to every moment with a sparkle of mischief in his eye. Our mother was probably right when she used to say if he had used his brain for something useful he would have made a lot of money, but instead he used it for entertaining us. James loved spending time with his grandchildren and took them on many trips and misadventures. James had a way of changing names - he was known as Harold, James Harold, Whit, Jim and James.  His older grandchildren affectionately called him Granddad, and the younger ones call him Gaga.
As his life progressed, his faith became more important, and he used his natural charisma and love of Christ to disciple other men.  Jesus’ love overflowed from James to those around him. One of the ways he showed his authenticity and great courage was his transparency about his own faults. He was not perfect, but he was quick to admit that he was wrong and apologize.  He clearly demonstrated that it’s never too late to be a better person. Those of us who knew him are better for his presence in our lives.

Memorial Service at Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home, 2701 John Hawkins Parkway, Hoover, AL at 2:00 pm, Saturday, March 12, 2022. The family will receive friends an hour before the service.

After the service, those who wish to attend a " Celebration of Life " are invited to join the family for stories and remembrances at Pelham Recreation Center, 300 Ballpark Road, Pelham.

Please also send stories and fond memories of James to "stephvinson75@yahoo.com". We would love to have these memories for the family to share.

I lieu of flowers please donate to the Pathway Ministries at "pathwayministriesinc.com".  Please designate your donation to the Liver Transplant Fund for Mistie McAdams or Ukraine Ministry.