James Mead Woodall

James is survived by his two sons, Troy and Eric Woodall; step son, Bryan Lucas (Teresa) and step daughter Stacy Workman; grandchildren, Jackson Woodall, Delany Nichols, Landon Lucas, Parker Lucas, Jacx Workman and Adrianna Erwin-Workman; two sisters, Darlene Wood (Allen) and Deles Woodall and several nieces and nephews.

An avid reader with an inquisitive mind, James taught himself many skills. He graduated from Georgia Military Academy in 1962. James attended Auburn University briefly before joining the Air Force in 1964. He served a tour of duty in Vietnam and then returned to Auburn University graduating in Textile Management December 1970. During his brief career in Textile Management he obtained a Private Pilot License and decided that he wanted to return to the military way of life. He joined the Navy in 1972 for a Navy aviation career. His basic training took place in Pensacola, Florida. James was a navigator in P-3C, VP-30, and VP-48 Navy aircraft. He completed SEARS (Search Evasion and Rescue School) training. His main assignment was locating and reporting the location of Russian submarines. He worked an assignment in the Pentagon that was Top Secret in nature.

Before ending his 20 year career in the Navy he reached the rank of Lieutenant Commander and obtained his Commercial Pilots License. Within seven months after retiring from the Navy he started flying commercial aircraft for American Eagle and retired after a 10 year stint with American Airlines. James then flew for a private Lear Jet company. He flew for private individuals and in his own words was hired to "play war games with the US Navy and other foreign countries". He had the opportunity to test out the US first line of defense over the North Pole.

James was best known for figuring out the solution for any and every situation. He designed his own home, installed all the electrical wiring, built all the cabinets and outside decks himself. Once he retired, he volunteered his time with the US Coast Guard and taught Spanish in local city schools.

The funeral service for James will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 10, 2022, with a visitation an hour prior at Ridouts Prattville Chapel in Prattville, AL. The committal service will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Prattville, AL.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsprattvillechapel.com for the Woodall family.