James Michael “Mike” Tidwell

James Michael “Mike” Tidwell, 59, of Columbus, GA passed away on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at his residence. A memorial service will be held at Fairview Baptist Church, 2913 Reese Rd, Columbus, GA, on Saturday, February 19, 2022 beginning at 12:00 PM with Rev. Jimbo Albrecht officiating according to Vance Brooks Funeral Home in Columbus.

Mike was born an only child of an only child on November 16, 1962 to Frank Edward Tidwell and Martha Lou Rainey Tidwell in Columbus, GA at St. Francis Hospital. When he was two years old, his family moved to Montgomery, AL for a short time and then to Phenix City, AL. Mike attended Sherwood Elementary in grades 1-4 and then Glenwood for grades 5-11. He graduated from Smiths Station High School in 1981.

Throughout his life, Mike enjoyed living in many different parts of the United States. With his outgoing personality and positive outlook, he could make any place a “home”. Mike joined the United States Navy in 1982. During his tour of duty, he was stationed in Orlando, FL, Memphis, TN and Jacksonville, FL. Outside of his military years, he lived in Albany, GA, Los Angeles, CA, Charleston, SC and, once again, in Phenix City, AL, Columbus, GA and Jacksonville, FL.

Mike was employed at Fairview Baptist Church where he worked as a comptroller. He was a great asset to the church not only as an employee, but also as a volunteer and dedicated member. He was a Ministry Assistant, Sunday School teacher and Director who sincerely loved and cared for his church and church family. Mike was an avid fan of Alabama football and Harley Davidson motorcycles. He was an extraordinary husband, father and grandfather and always held his family close to his heart. Mike will be greatly missed, never forgotten, and cherished with the best of memories.

Survivors include his wife of six years Ellen Tidwell; mother Martha Burkhalter (Milford) of Smiths Station, AL; daughter Tara Tidwell McMahon (Michael) of Smiths Station, AL; Tara’s mother Tracy Cobb Tidwell; stepdaughters Ashley Redwine of Columbus, GA, Amanda Dery (Wayne) of Dunwoody, GA and Aimee Cain (Dallen) of Columbus, GA; grandchildren Isabella McMahon, Paisley McMahon, Titus Dery, River Dery, Braiden Cain, Jax Cain, Patrick Cain and Copelynn Cain.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fairview Baptist Church.