James Velton Haynes

James Velton Haynes, age 85, passed away peacefully at home in Kimberly, AL on February 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. James is survived by his brother, Jerry; sisters: Shirley Patrick and Donna Ashley; sons: Allen (Donna) Haynes, Greg (Sonya) Haynes, and Paul Haynes; grandchildren: Brett Haynes, Holly Freeman (Jeremy), Anna Haynes, Kara Haynes, and Emily Haynes; great grandchildren: Maddy Lyvers, Joel Haynes, Colin Haynes, Chandler Freeman, and Presley Freeman. Preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Linda Fay Haynes; mother, Avous Dees, father, Milous Haynes, and sisters Margaret Powell, Linda Widner, and MontaRhe Phillips. Born on November 3, 1939, in Cullman County, James was a strong, faithful, hard-working, quiet man who followed Jesus Christ and loved his family dearly. James was a 1960 graduate of Fairview High School and a 1964 graduate of Jacksonville State University. He had the honor of being the first in his family to earn a bachelor’s degree. James was married to his beloved wife, Linda, for 51 years, before her passing in 2014. They met while both working in the university dining hall. All who knew them recognized that he absolutely adored his wife. James served in the U.S. Navy from 1964 to 1966, including duty along the Vietnam coast, followed by reserve duty near Alameda, California until 1969. He moved his family back to Alabama in 1970 and worked as a bookkeeper and accountant for several Birmingham businesses until the late 1980s. He served as a Deacon and men’s Sunday school teacher at Twenty Fifth Avenue Baptist Church in Centerpoint, AL in the 1970’s and early 1980’s. In 1991 he and his wife Linda became resident house parents with the Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes and together they served the daily needs of children in crisis, and later single mothers in crisis, at a series of children’s shelters and homes in Mobile, Birmingham, and Alabaster until their retirement in 2009, at which time they returned to their home in Bradford, AL. James was a strong, quiet, hardworking, and faithful man, who never sought the spotlight. He was always content to serve others in the background. He was dearly loved and deeply respected by all who knew him. One of his great joys over the years was joining Linda in hosting large family gatherings at their cozy home in Bradford for Fourth of July barbecues and other special occasions. James would often stay up most of the night smoking the best ribs in Alabama (with Linda’s secret rib sauce) to host fifty people for lunch. People would have such a wonderful time at these Bradford gatherings that many would also stay for dinner, which made him all the happier. He enjoyed countless games of Rook during those gatherings and won more games than the rest of us. Another joy was traveling the country with his wife. He loved to drive, and they traversed from coast to coast, always on the lookout for spectacular views or special local food or unique culture, with fresh lobster on the coast of Maine and Rudy’s Barbecue in San Antonio being two of the many favorites. He said goodbye to his dear wife Linda in 2014 and he mourned her loss deeply. After retirement he became very active in Hughes Memorial Baptist Church in Bradford, where he formed many special friendships, including his dearly loved best friend of the past four years, Ramona Hayes. James was always a family man first, and remained close to his children, grandchildren, siblings, and in-laws until his final day. His family will always remember the wonderful example of the closeness and sense of humor that he shared with his surviving siblings (Shirley, Jerry and Donna), as they all made certain to have lunch together regularly. We will also remember his remarkable energy and strength, even in his eighties, and that he was determined and able to remain on the go, enjoying his dear friends and family until his very last week of life. The passing of this truly gentle man leaves a great void in the lives of many. We will see you again, soon, dad. Funeral services will be Sunday, February 9, at 2 pm at Gardendale Heritage Funeral Home, with graveside service afterward at Bethel Cemetery in Warrior. The family will receive friends on Sunday from noon to 2 pm.

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James Velton Haynes

November 3, 1939 - February 7, 2025