He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Alicia Dacus Stigler; his daughter, Dr. Suzanne Stigler Martin and her husband, Michael Martin, of Birmingham; his son Sam Stigler of Denver, CO; and two grandchildren, Micah Martin of Birmingham and Sumner Martin of Auburn, AL. Jim also leaves his sister, Beta Stigler McIngvale of Huntsville, AL, brother, Jerry Stigler, of Senatobia, MS, and aunt, Nell Griffith of Pensacola, FL.
Born on January 26, 1938, in Drew, MS, the son of Samuel J. Stigler, Sr. and Daisy Cleveland Stigler, Jim spent his formative years in this unique Mississippi Delta town. Known to his friends as “Jimmie” or “Showboat,” he worked at his uncle’s hardware store and at the local drugstore. Most of his free time was spent excelling in sports, specifically baseball. He proudly graduated from Drew High School in 1955 as Secretary and Valedictorian of the Senior Class.
After high school, Jim attended the University of Mississippi on academic scholarship. During his time at Ole Miss, he pitched for the varsity baseball team and served as the equipment manager for the football team. Among other activities, Jim was a member of the Ole Miss “M” Club, Phi Kappa Phi, Omicron Delta Kappa, and Sigma Chi fraternity. He graduated, with distinction, in 1959 with a degree in Accounting.
Upon graduation from college, Jim began a 30-year career with International Business Machines (IBM), in Memphis, TN. After several years in Memphis, IBM transferred him to the New York City area, where he worked in Finance, living in Greenwich, CT. During retirement, Jim returned to his home state, assuming the role of President/CEO of Dacus Food Group located in Tupelo, MS, turning that failing business around, until it was sold in 1997.
Jim was always an active member of his local church, using his talents to serve as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher. He had an undeniable passion and gift for music, singing in the choir, performing as soloist, and at Harrisburg Baptist Church, singing with “FourGiven,” his beloved gospel men’s quartet.
Jim achieved great success in the classroom, athletics, and in business during his lifetime, yet he will be most remembered for his strong faith, quick wit, and endearing smile. He was a loving husband and father who sacrificed for his family above all else. Jim will be profoundly missed by many.
A memorial service celebrating the life of Jim Stigler will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at 2:00 p.m., at the Vestavia Hills Baptist Church located at 2600 Vestavia Drive in Birmingham, AL, 35216. In true Baptist tradition, lunch will be provided for the family and out of town guests at noon at the church (RSVP [email protected] or (205) 821.8205.) There will also be a dessert reception following the memorial service for all guests.
Jim’s ashes will be buried in a graveside service at Lee Memorial Park in Tupelo, MS on Monday, September 25th at 2pm.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation (check only) to one of the following:
1. UAB Memory Disorders Clinic, 1720 2nd Ave. So., Suite SC640, Birmingham, AL 35294-0017. In the memo line of check please write “vascular dementia research.” For more information, www.facebook.com/uab.memorydisordersclinic.com.
2. “Encore at CUMC” (ministry for families living with dementia or memory loss). Send check to Valerie Boyd, Canterbury United Methodist, 350 Overbrook Rd., Birmingham, AL 35213. For more information, www.encorerespite.org.
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