James Lewis "J.L." Love

James Lewis Love, 88, of Jasper, passed away Thursday, January 2, 2025, at St. Vincent’s Hospital. Family will receive friends Tuesday, January 7, 2025, from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. at New Prospect Baptist Church. Service will follow at 2 p.m. Burial will be at New Prospect Cemetery. Blake Prater will officiate.

J.L. was born and raised in Cordova, AL, and graduated from Cordova High School where his athleticism served him well as the quarterback of the football team and as a member of the baseball and basketball teams. He continued his academic studies at Walker College and Florence Teacher’s College and also enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in Germany. In 1962, he began working at McCutcheon Furniture Company in Jasper, AL, and found his lifelong career, helping all his beloved customers to “furnish their homes with Love.” His customers were like family to him and he had a story to tell for every person who walked through his doors.

His first love however was meeting and marrying his sweetheart, Martha Gail Hudson. They soon became parents to three children: Jeffrey, Lisa, and Jenny Love. He worked tirelessly for his entire family. One of his greatest joys in life was cheering on The Alabama Crimson Tide football team, and he physically attended games for over 50 years. For many years, he took his wife, children, and Mother-in-law (“Mama Macie”) to every game, from Tuscaloosa to Southbend, Indiana, and every Bowl game, in places such as New Orleans, Dallas, Miami, and southern California. His beloved son-in-law took him to what would be his final game on September 7, 2024; he made his way more slowly, but he walked evey step of the way. Another one of J.L.’s greatest loves in life was his home church, New Prospect Baptist Church. He was invested in the success of the church, loved attending services, and even had what he fondly thought of as “his seat,” which was situated right beside the stained-glass window purchased and dedicated to Mama Macie. He stayed the course through several pastors, new building additions, and the church’s growth. He was honored to become a Deacon of the church and served that position with great passion. His other interest included being a long-time member of the Lion’s Club where he was always in attendance and helped organize the annual Pancake Supper, Oyster Supper and many other events. He served as President and was awarded the prestigious Melvin Jones Award for his dedication and service. He lived an exemplary life, setting the stage for his children to be the best they could be. He will be greatly missed.

A special thanks is in order to Darlene Allison Griffith for her 38-plus years of service to ensuring the smooth running of McCutcheon-Love Furniture, and for her love and dedication to the entire Love family. She was instrumental not only as a business manager but also as a caregiver for J.L. after his decline in health. The family also thanks Jessie, Brittany, and all the staff at Southeast Hospice as well as extending thanks to the dedicated nurses at UAB St. Vincent’s Hospital and the staff at Compass Hospice, and to Dell Green and his staff at Kilgore-Green Funeral Home.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Gail Love; parents, Avery and Letha Love; siblings Betty Courington, Annie Lay, Paul Love, Wilburn Love, Dean Martin, Esther Lee Russell, and Pauline Vance; in-laws, Charlie Hudson and Lizzie Mae Hudson.

He is survived by his children, Jeffrey Bruce Love (Janette), Jennifer Love Jones (Allan), and Lisa Love Thomas (Aaron); and grandchildren, Sidney Hudson Jones, James Nathaniel Jones, Kristene Love, Macie Love, and Katherine Love Thomas.

Flowers are appreciated as well as donations to New Prospect Baptist Church or charity of your choice.

Pallbearers will be Michael Frost, Carl Goforth, John Griffith, Alan Johnson, Paul Craig Love, Jim Underwood, and Rodney Russell.