James Theodore Melton, 93, of Hanceville, AL passed away on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023 at Hanceville Nursing and Rehab. He was born July 28, 1930 in Chester, MS.
James was a faithful servant of the Lord and went into the Music Ministry after getting his Master’s degree in Music from Southern Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. Over a 25-year span, he served in churches in South Boston, VA, West Point, GA, Centerpoint, AL, Montgomery, AL, Huntsville, AL and Guntersville, AL. He also used his musical talents by singing with the CenturyMen choir and playing trumpet in the 313th Army Band during the Korean War. After retiring from the Music Ministry, James worked as a Financial Advisor with IDS/American Express for another 25 years until age 75.
James, “PawPaw”, loved his family deeply and was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He was an avid tennis and ping pong player as well as a fisherman. While he enjoyed these pastimes greatly, he more so enjoyed sharing them enthusiastically with his children, grandchildren and friends. He also enjoyed travelling with his wife Jean, making many trips within the US and abroad to see the wonders of God’s creation.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Jean Bice Melton; children, James T. (Betsy) Melton of Daphne, AL, Scott (Melinda) Melton of Albertville, AL, Tim (Wendy) Melton of Hanceville, AL, and Amy (Lee) Russell of Helena, AL; grandchildren, Trey, Alex, Carson, Robert, Jamie, Christopher, David, Anthony, Tyler, Trent and Trevor; as well as numerous step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and brother Larry (Sylvia) Melton of Columbus, MS.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Dewitt Arnold Melton and Margaret Pearl Weatherall Melton; sisters, Jeannette Wilson and Brenda Mehlferber.
Funeral services will be Monday, Dec. 11, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Gardendale Heritage Funeral Home, Brother Jimmy Sawyer officiating; burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.
