James Alton Calvert of Good Hope, Alabama passed from this earth and entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 10, 2025. James died peacefully at home surrounded by love from his family and friends. James was born in Cullman to Edgar and Dora Calvert on September 27, 1927.
James attended Good Hope Elementary /Junior High School and graduated from Cullman High School, where he was an outstanding athlete and class officer for the class of 1946. Shortly after graduation from high school, he enlisted in the United States Army. James completed basic training and then attended surveyor school where he earned his surveying certification. His unit surveyed for the construction of new strategic air force bases in Greenland, New Mexico, Arizona, Washington and Florida.
After military service, James returned to Cullman County and his father’s farm. When his first cotton crop failed to meet his projected income expectations, he decided to enter St. Bernard College and pursued a degree in civil engineering. At Bernard, he played basketball and also played 3rd base for the Cullman Red Sox, an independent semi-pro baseball team which were contributing factors for his induction into the Cullman County Sports Hall of Fame in 2004. James continued his education at Auburn University before becoming employed by Goodwyn Engineering. While working in Troy, Alabama he met the love of his life, a beautiful young nurse named Mildred Ferguson. They were soon married and together raised 6 children. He and Mildred were married for over 50 years before Mildred passed away in February 2011.
In 1965 James moved his family from Birmingham back home to Cullman County where he purchased a farm next to his parents’ farm in the community of Good Hope. This is where he lived for the rest of his life. James began farming primarily strawberries and sweet potatoes while still working full time with Byrd Engineering of Birmingham.
Shortly after settling back into Good Hope, James rekindled his boyhood interest in fox hunting. He bought some foxhounds and for the next 30 years or so ran the hounds every Friday night with his huntin’ buddies.
In the early 70’s, the Cullman County Commission offered Mr. Calvert the new position of Cullman County Water Superintendent. Over the next 20 years, James worked tirelessly to bring city water to every home and farm in Cullman County. When he retired in 1993, Cullman County Water System was the largest rural water system in Alabama.
James Calvert served on the Good Hope Town Council for 3 terms in the late 1970’s and 1980’s. A man of deep integrity, he served the citizens of Good Hope with honor in a responsible and honest manner.
James was an avid sports fan and enjoyed going to watch his kids, grandkids, and great-grandchildren play various sports. He also loved to watch sports on television, especially Atlanta Braves baseball. Golf was another hobby he enjoyed with his family and friends, and he shot an amazing score of 88 in his early 90’s. James was known throughout the community as a competitive and accomplished Rook player. He played every Wednesday morning at the town hall and any time the family gathered together. Some of his other favorite pastimes were playing domino games after church on Sunday evenings and putting together puzzles.
James Calvert was many things to many people but was known most of all as a man of Godly character who consistently served his Lord by teaching, mentoring, and caring for others. He served many years as a deacon at Good Hope Baptist Church and taught Sunday School for decades. James loved singing old hymns, sang in the choir for many years, and at times led the congregational singing. He helped facilitate capital improvement projects at church and served on the cemetery committee. James and Mildred would often minister to shut-ins in the church community. They would bring food, attend to personal needs or just sit on the porch and talk.
James Calvert brought the love of Christ to many people across the generations. He will be missed by his family and friends, his church and his community, but it is comforting to know that Christ welcomed him with open arms as he entered into heaven.
James was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Ferguson Calvert, his parents, Edgar and Dora Calvert, one brother Allen Calvert, and his son-in-law Johnny Harris.
Survivors include six children; Jackie (Bobby) Patterson; Jimmy (Judy) Calvert; William (Sherry) Calvert; Laura Harris; Linda (Gary) Johnson; Donna (Patrick) Thomason; thirteen grandchildren: Bobby Ray Patterson, Daniel Patterson, Janie Cordova, Matt Mosley, Megan Zahorscak, Christa Spratling, Stephen Calvert, Anna McSwain, Derek Harris, Ashlie Stewart, Mason Johnson, Jenna Record, Cooper Thomason; seventeen great-grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers; Ted (Shirley) Calvert; Edwin (Frieda) Calvert; and a sister Doris Hinkle. James leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and too many dear friends to name.
Pallbearers will be Bobby Ray Patterson, Daniel Patterson, Stephen Calvert, Derek Harris, Mason Johnson, Cooper Thomason, and Matt Mosley.
The family will receive friends at Moss Service Funeral Home of Cullman on Monday, January 13, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Good Hope Baptist Church on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 1 p.m. with the Reverend Perry Knight and Reverend Jimmy Sawyer officiating. Interment will follow in the adjoining cemetery. James will lie-in-state at the church for two (2) hours prior to the service.
The family requests in lieu-of-flowers, donations be made to Good Hope Baptist Music Funds, St. Jude Children’s Hospital or The Gideons International.
To leave condolences for the family please visit mossservicefh.com.
Moss Service Funeral Home directing.
