James C McKee

James Carlton McKee “Jim”, loving husband, father, grandfather, Disciple of Jesus Christ, a resident of the community of Clay, Alabama, passed away at the age of 76 years old on Wednesday August 19, 2020 after an 8 year battle with Parkinson’s disease. Jim was born on December 12, 1943 in Anniston, AL to the parents of Joseph Saks and Jennie Irene McKee. Jim graduated from Anniston High School in 1962, and was a member of the Anniston High school marching band where he was an All State french horn player. Jim always had a special place in his heart for the high school friendships that were rekindled at the high school reunions he attended through the years. Jim earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Management from Auburn University in 1970. While at Auburn, Jim was a member of the Alpha Lambda Chapter of Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity where he enjoyed serving as social chairman. Jim also participated on the Intramural Badminton team and was well known amongst his peers for his prowess on the court. Prior to his graduation from Auburn University, Jim served in the US Army as an E-5 Sergeant in an air rifle platoon that was deployed to Vietnam from 1968-1969. Jim served in various capacities for the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church, and he was a charter member of Faith United Methodist Church in Clay, Alabama.

He served in various roles within the leadership of Faith United Methodist Church including Chairman of the Building Committee over the course of three construction projects and several terms on the Board of Trustees. He was also very active in the youth ministry, Sunday School, and the choir. Jim was a supporter of Auburn University football and athletics. He was an accomplished church league slow pitch softball player. He was actively involved in the Emmaus Community up until the time of his death. Jim was employed by Altec Industries for thirty years as a manager of Information Systems and Communications. Jim is survived by his wife of 50 years, Jeanne Hardigree McKee; his children, James Michael McKee (Cara) of Savannah, GA, and Melissa McKee Bice (Brian) of Opelika,AL; His grandchildren, Harper Graves McKee, Margaret Irene Bice, Kailey Anne Bice, and Olin Saks McKee; a niece, Susan Roszell (Arlan); a nephew, Steve Bedwell (Terri); a niece, Linda Cowden (Dan); a nephew, Scott Roszell (Jennifer); a niece, Lindsey Roszell; a niece, Crytsal Langford (Les); a niece, Jennifer Hickey(Nate); a niece, Amy Davis (Blake); a niece, Leah Miller (Rob); a nephew, Chad Bedwell; a niece, Jamie Gamble (CJ); and his faithful dog Roscoe. Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Joene McKee; his nephew, Chuck Bedwell; and a nephew, Lucas Cowden. Funeral Service arrangements for Jim McKee will be as follows: There will be a Visitation and a Memorial Service at Faith United Methodist Church in Clay, Alabama. The Visitation will be held Sunday, August 23 from 1:00-3:00p.m. The Memorial service will follow the visitation from 3:00 to 4:00p.m. The Address for Visitation and the Memorial is as follows: Faith United Methodist Church, 7315 Old Springville Rd, Pinson, AL 35126. Jim is to be cremated by Ridout’s Trussville Chapel, Birmingham, Alabama and his place of rest will be at the Alabama National Cemetery, Montevallo, AL. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the “Faith United Methodist Church: Pastor’s Discretionary Fund.” This fund is used to address the needs of the local community in Clay, Alabama. The family would like to thank the Saints of FUMC for their love and support throughout Jim’s walk of faith and illness; the staff of the Golden Rule in Trussville, AL; the caring men and women of the McGuffey Health and Rehabilitation Center in Gadsden, AL; and the Compassus Hospice organization.

“…but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 KJV