James Thomas McDowell's Obituary
Rudder Funeral Home 256-437-2971, P.O. Box 525, Stevenson, AL 35772
Bridgeport Location 256-495-2975, 1552 Co. Rd. 94, Bridgeport, AL 35740
James Thomas McDowell
January 5, 1950 ~ September 20, 2015
Bridgeport, Alabama
James Thomas McDowell, age 65 of Bridgeport, Alabama, formerly of Marietta, Georgia, died at his home on September 20, 2015. Jim was born on January 5, 1950 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the son of Norman Ross McDowell and the late Helen Lee McDowell. Jim was a 1968 honors graduate of Marietta High School. He attended the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he majored in Industrial Management and was a member of the General Motors Co-Op Program. During his college years and afterwards, Jim enjoyed working at the popular Johnny Walker Men's Store in Marietta. Jim took a position at Stephens Lumber Company and later the Marietta Lumber Company, where he was a financial officer and led purchasing. He later relocated to Bridgeport, where he served as Vice President of Jacobs Manufacturing. Most recently Jim returned to General Motors, serving as a Service Advisor at Gentry Chevrolet, where he was able to work with his first love, cars. Jim was known for his affinity and knowledge of cars, and through the years enjoyed driving the latest sporty vehicle.
Jim always met everyone with a smile and a handshake or hug. He treated others with respect, patience and kindness. Jim lived his life caring for and being a friend to others. He was a devoted son, brother, uncle, and friend. Jim was a storyteller second to none, and graced our family with a keen sense of humor and intelligent wit. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Jim is survived by his loving father, Norman Ross McDowell; sister and brother-in-law, Robbie McDowell Hooper and Thomas Lawson Hooper, III of Murfreesboro, TN; sister and brother-in-law Jane McDowell Snipes and William Bradley Snipes, Sr. of Rocky Face, GA; nephews Thomas Ross Hooper (Stephanie) of Jersey City, NJ; Matthew Ward Hooper of Boca Raton, FL,Michael Lee Hooper (Caroline) of Murfreesboro, TN; William Bradley Snipes, Jr. of Atlanta, GA; and James Tucker Snipes of Rocky Face, GA; niece, Mary Margaret Snipes of Rocky Face, GA. Jim is survived by a host of loving family members and friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his mother, and nephews, John Andrew Hooper and Robert James Hooper, along with several beloved aunts and uncles. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Bridgeport, AL, where he served on the church council. In previous years, Jim was active in the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce.
A memorial service to honor the life of James Thomas McDowell will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 1:00 pm CDT at Rudder Funeral Home, 1552 County Road 94, Bridgeport, AL. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am to 1 pm CDT prior to the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 27, Bridgeport, AL 35740 or to a non-profit or charity of your choice.
Words of comfort may be sent to www.rudderfuneralhomes.com.
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