James "Jim" Dover

Jim was born in Boaz, Alabama on March 8, 1961, to Margaret and J.B Dover. He was raised in Waco, TX, and graduated from Midway High School in 1979, where he was in the band and played football. Jim attended the University of Alabama and later graduated from the University of Alabama in Birmingham in 1987. He also has degrees from Community College of the Air Force and Bessemer Technical College.

After college, Jim worked in the insurance industry, both for the State of Alabama and later for Officer Benefits Association. His passion, however, was the Alabama Air National Guard where he was stationed with the 117th Air Refueling Wing in Birmingham, Alabama. After serving for almost 30 years, Jim retired from the Guard as Chief Master Sergeant in 2016.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Margaret Moody Dover and James Burrell (J.B.) Dover and an infant brother. He is survived by his wife Ellen Henderson Dover and his children, James Ronald and Maragret (Maggie) Ann, of whom he was extremely proud. He is also survived by his sister, Suzanne Pratt (George), his brother, Don Dover, his aunt, Mary Ann Moody Davis, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jim was a man of few words, but when he spoke, people listened. His voice will be missed.

A visitation honoring the life of Jim will be held on January 10, 2026 from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm in Hudson Hall of Mountain Brook Baptist Church. The family will have a private burial at Alabama National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate to the America Heart Association or your favorite charity.