James Ivaloy Loper

Rev. James Ivaloy Loper, age 85, of Centreville, went to be with the Lord on December 27, 2025. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Judy; sons Jeff Loper (Sherry) of Hoover and Brock Loper (Amanda) of Moundville; grandchildren Lauren Saunooke (David), Brooke Morrison (Dustin), and Shelby Loper; great-grandson Sterling Saunooke; brothers Jerry Loper (Loretta), Gene Loper (Libby), and Leland Loper; sister-in-law Donna Loper; and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his infant son Jonathan Arland Loper (1970); brother Larry Loper; and sister-in-law Judy Loper (wife of Leland).

Ivaloy served his country in the U.S. Army for two years, stationed in Hawaii. After he returned to Alabama, he continued to serve in the Army National Guard for four years.

He and Judy married, and then he responded to the Lord’s calling to be a pastor and studied at Baptist Bible Institute in Graceville, Florida. He served in the ministry for 43 years, pastoring churches in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama until retiring from the pulpit in 2005. As a bi-vocational pastor, he also worked full-time jobs outside the church throughout these years. After his retirement, he and Judy joined Thomas Mill Baptist Church in Brierfield.

Ivaloy loved the Lord and his family and friends and will be deeply missed by many. He collected new friends everywhere he went and loved to joke around and laugh with folks. He was never more content than when he was in the woods hunting deer, turkey, or squirrel. He also had great talents for gardening and grilling.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, December 30, at 11am at Thomas Mill Baptist Church, 4611 Thomas Mill Church Road, Brierfield; directed by Rockco Funeral Home, Centreville. The family will receive friends from 10am until time of service. Burial in Tuscaloosa Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Mission:Dignity program of Guidestone, www.guidestone.org/Mission-Dignity/Get-Involved, which provides assistance to retired Southern Baptist ministers and spouses.