James David Tinsley

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.–James David Tinsley, 52, passed away early Sunday morning, February 19, 2017, in Birmingham, Alabama, following a sudden illness. His beloved sister, Pamela Tinsley Jones, was by his side to comfort him.

David is preceded in death by his parents, James Willard Tinsley and Annie Myra Tinsley. His survivors include his sister, Pamela Tinsley Jones (Don), niece Jesse Gobili Hart (Joseph), and his adopted cat, Abby.

Growing up in Childersburg, Ala., David enjoyed a happy, carefree childhood riding bikes and playing touch football with his friends in the neighborhood. Sporting a suit and walking to church with his buddy Scott on Sundays, he was rarely late for Sunday school. David attended Mrs. Snyder’s famous Kindergarten class and played baseball with Pee Wee and Farm Leagues all the way to Little League and Babe Ruth.

David loved being part of his close-knit community, coming home to his cozy family of four each day. Easters, Christmas mornings and other events made way for celebrations that David cherished through the years, proudly sharing photo after photo of his fondest memories-often accompanied by humorous commentary like, “Where’s my candy?” and “Check out those boots.” As a young child, David had an uncanny likeness to Ralphie of “A Christmas Story,” and got a chuckle featuring Ralphie’s photo in his Facebook newsfeed each December in later years.

He began first grade in 1972 at Watwood Elementary School and graduated from Childersburg High School in 1983, where he played baseball–his favorite sport–and participated in clubs, leadership positions, Scholars Bowl and other activities.

After David graduated, he set off for Tuscaloosa, Ala., to become one with the University of Alabama. Forever a loyal Crimson Tide fan, David excelled in his chosen field, earning a slot as a member of Alpha Epsilon Rho, the Electronic Media Honor Society, and as president of Kappa Tau Alpha, the Journalism and Mass Communication Honor Society. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Business Management and began working with WFFX 95.7 in Tuscaloosa as an on-air personality. It was here where David’s dedicated passion for radio took off, racing toward a lengthy career in the business.

David’s first radio partnership in Birmingham, Ala. was with WMJJ, Magic 96.5 FM atop Red Mountain, where he worked from 1987-1993. David, the “Tin Man” as some called him, took the lead in many roles including midday on-air talent, promotions director and assistant program director. David found a longstanding work family during his time there, keeping in touch with co-workers who became good friends in later years. Many of them recall David’s true dedication to the airwaves as well as his willingness to jump in to assist, no matter the task. David was on the go to client remotes and special appearances year-round. And although his role was to do all the talking, he was an exceptional listener, taking time out of his day to help others when needed.

David moved on to become the WZZK-FM midday air personality and Internet coordinator for Cox Radio in Birmingham from 1993-1998, and the web content producer from 1998-2001. David rubbed elbows with some of country music’s elite while with the station, meeting talented stars including Martina McBride, Faith Hill, Dwight Yoakam, Aaron Tippin, Mark Chesnutt and Tanya Tucker.

From 2001-2011, David worked with Bright House Networks, completing his work there as the managing editor of interactive content strategy for the corporate web team.

Taking a trip back to college in online fashion, David became a graduate student of the University of Southern California in 2013, gaining his Master of Communication Management.

Joining the highly-integrated team of specialists at BBVA Compass in October 2013, David designed functional, customer-centric interactive banking products to use with online, mobile, ATM and other consumer channels, as well as handling other responsibilities. He and his team built a solid unit of comradery and teamwork, in which David found joy in returning to each workday.

At home, David enjoyed spending time with Abby, his fluffy feline friend of more than two years. David’s soft spot for animals led him to volunteer for the Greater Birmingham Humane Society.

Perhaps the highlight of each year for David was visiting with his big sister Pam and her family in Oregon, at the beach or at home. David would talk about it for weeks, lingering on each moment, and always returned from visits refreshed and renewed after good conversation and loving company. Family was his most prized possession.

David was a humble man–not an egotistical bone in his body. He lived to be with people. David was not just as a friend, but a “voice of clarity and understanding, a true man of goodwill and kindness.”

As one friend stated, “We've lost another soldier in the battle for all that's good in this world…[David] was faithful and earned his place in Heaven all on his own.”

David’s impact on this world can never be measured, yet it can be felt through his long list of friendships and intense love for family.

A visitation and memorial service is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 23 at the First Baptist Church of Childersburg. Visitation begins at 1:30 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Greater Birmingham Humane Society at gbhs.org or mailed to: GBHS, 300 Snow Drive, Birmingham, AL 35209.