James "Jimmy" Jerome Stinson

James Jerome (Jimmy) Stinson, 68, of Salem, AL passed away early Thursday morning, December 1, 2016 at his home on Lake Harding.  He had defiantly battled Parkinson’s Disease for almost 35 years.

Jimmy, as his many friends called him, was born December 4, 1947 in Phenix City, AL at Cobb Memorial Hospital to the late Jerome James and Inez Terry Stinson.  Jimmy was in the U. S. Army and served during the Viet Nam War era,  training as a medic in multiple locations.  After his service, he was a Social Studies teacher at Arnold Junior High School in Columbus, GA.  Upon his retirement due to Parkinson’s he was honored with the dedication of the Yearbook by the students there.  He was part owner of Friendly Grocery on Warm Springs Road for many years.  He was a fierce entrepreneur, as well, and met many people, making friends everywhere he went.  He enjoyed Auburn Football immensely.   Jimmy enjoyed many activities on Lake Harding  during his life there. 

Jimmy will be remembered for a bright smile, no matter what Parkinson’s threw at him.  He had a keen sense of humor and a contagious personality. He entertained children with his magic tricks, to their delight.  Jimmy taught himself to play the guitar in his early life and enjoyed music.  He was a superb dancer in his younger years, as well, earning a name for himself in the James Brown era.  He will be missed by his family and many friends, whom he loved abundantly.

Jimmy is survived by his devoted wife of 25 years, Connie, a stepdaughter, Amber  (Buck) Watford, two grandchildren, Sport and Gracie.  He is also survived by three brothers, Terry (Ann) Stinson of Birmingham, Gerald (Judy) Stinson of Columbus, and Roger (Terri) Stinson, Sr.  He had several nieces and nephews, whom he adored.   Jimmy leaves a legacy of many wonderful and devoted friends.

The family will receive those who wish to pay their respects at Visitation to be held at Vance Funeral Home on Highway 280 in Phenix City, AL on Sunday, December 4, 2016, from 2-4PM.

In Jimmy’s honor, in lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the National Parkinson’s Foundation, or to your favorite Humane Society.