James Delbert Hand

HAND, JAMES DELBERT of Gardendale, born September 24, 1931, passed away on January 10, 2025, at 93. He was born in Fieldstown on September 24, 1931, to Otis Lee and Ana Little Hand – the 7th of 12 children.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Edna Crouch Hand, his daughter Linda Hand Ellison, his parents, and his sisters and brothers: Ethel Graves, Thomas Hand, Estelle Hand, Iva Nell Maldonaldo, Sara Johnson, A. W. Hand, Billie Joan Kinney, and Ronald Hand.

Survivors include his sons Jim Hand and Doug Hand (Lawanna); his daughter Carol Hand Brown (Jay); nephew Del (Christy); 6 grandchildren – April (David), Scott, Eric (Kathleen), Travis, Julie, Haley (Jake); 3 great-grandchildren – Ivy (Joey), Erin, Alister; and 1 great-great-grandchild – Lily; two sisters, Betty Hand Ballew and Bobbie Jean Hand Moore (Bill); one brother, Donald Hand (Mary Ann); special friend Brenda Gilliland; as well as a very large extended family and many close friends.

He worked in the optical industry for his entire career, which began when he was only 16 years old. He served as a corporal in the Army National Guard 167th Infantry, 1947 – 1951.

James was blessed to live on Hand Lane in Gardendale on family land, with his parents and many of his brothers and sisters as neighbors, for decades. Family was the most important thing to him. He was always giving with his time and help. Whenever his family needed anything, he was always there to support them. His home was frequently the gathering place for his brothers and sisters and their families.

He was committed to making sure that all 4 of his children completed college degrees. He made a point to attend graduation ceremonies for all his children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces. He loved to sing; he knew a song for every situation – country music and primitive Baptist hymns were among his favorites. He loved to make jokes – he had way of making people laugh with his stories and his openness.

James was a member of Gum Spring Primitive Baptist Church since his childhood. He attended Central Baptist Church with his wife and children for many years. James’s funeral service will be held at 2:00PM Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at Ridout’s Gardendale Chapel with burial in Mt. Olive Cemetery. The family will receive friends for visitation Tuesday from 1:00 – 2:00PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Sacred Harp Musical Heritage Association – 8021 Randall Rd, Huntsville, AL 35802.