James Thomas Mims

James Thomas Mims (JT) , born the third child to the late Oscar Lee and Emma DeBardelaben Mims, made earth his home, on a heavily rainy day, May 17, 1934, in Autauga County, AL.  Though this was a wet and dreary day, his birth brought sunshine and blue skies to his parents and two older siblings.  For 85 years he continued to bring joy and laughter to his family and all who knew him.  His family and friends often referred to him as "JT".  He rarely met a stranger and was always smiling, but in the evening of Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at Jackson Hospital, Montgomery, AL., his laughter faded, and his smile diminished as he transitioned to his permanent home to be with his savior.  This devoted husband, loving father and awesome granddad slipped away peacefully with family surrounding his beside.  He fought a good fight and has now won the battle.  He's now celebrating with his parents, siblings, loved ones and friends in his new heavenly home.

James accepted Christ into his heart at an early age and was a member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church where he served faithfully until his health begin to decline in early October of 2019.

On December 15, 1956, James married his best friend, the love of his life, his China doll (as he lovingly referred to her as), Essie Mae Robinson.  A marriage of 63 years in which they were blessed with seven children.

James was a hard worker and a good provider for his family.  He was employed for 50 years with Crystal Lake Manufacturing in  Autaugaville, AL.

He was an avid baseball fan.  He loved playing the sport in his younger years, following and watching his grandson play, in his later years.  Rarely a game was televised when you would not find him poised on the couch with the TV remote in his hand.  His favorite team was the Los Angeles Dodgers.

He was an outdoorsman.  In his early years, he had a passion for hunting and could often be found scouting  the woods, day or night, during various seasons.  He enjoyed yard work and took pride in not only keeping up his own lawn, but also the yards of his daughters.

James was preceded in death by his parents, four siblings: Arlette Peoples, Alberta Mims, Lillie Adams, and Oscar Mims Jr., two brothers-in-law: Ernest Peoples and Charlie Traylor, and four nephews: Ernest Mims, Jesse Peoples, Herbert Peoples, and Bobby Adams.

He leaves to cherish his memories: a devoted wife of 63 years, Essie Mae; seven children: Ercile (Ernest) Henderson, Prattville, AL., Janice Knox, Troy, AL., Virginia Davis, Autaugaville, AL, Mark (Regina) Mims, Montgomery, AL., Alexander (Cheryl) Mims, Millbrook, AL., Monica (David) Tolver, Autaugaville, AL., and Greta Mims, Autaugaville, AL.  Three adopted children: Marilyn Mims and Freddie Peoples, both of Autaugaville, AL., and Elvis Mims, Millbrook, AL.  One sister, Pauline  Traylor, Cleveland, OH., one brother-in-law, Jimmy Adams, Montgomery, AL., and one sister-in-law, Sally Mims, Cleveland, OH., 19 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Special thanks extended to his barber, Luther Howard, for going above and beyond during his illness and to a special cousin and friend, John L. Nixon.

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