James Lewis Veach

James “Jack” Lewis Veach, age 96 of Hoover, passed away on January 26, 2015 at his home with his daughter and grandson at his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Stephen Veach and Anna Sherry Veach, his brother Henry Veach, and his wife Ruth Davis Veach. Jack is survived by his daughter Jackie Dillard, his grandson Eric Nelson (Brian Bland), his sisters Sara Edmundson and Agnes Wiedemeyer, niece Vivianne Veach (Walt Cook), great niece Amanda Veach-Cook, great nephew Destin Veach-Cook, brother-in-law Fred Davis (Marguerite) and several nieces and nephews.

Jack was born on April 1, 1918 in Koshkonong, MO. He served as an aircraft mechanic in the United States Air Force during World War II and dearly loved his country. He continued his service at Craig Air Force Base until 1976. In 1978, he joined Brookwood Medical Center where he received the hospital’s first “Employee of the Year” award. After his retirement, Jack continued working as a volunteer at Brookwood. Jack married Ruth Davis Veach on January 31, 1945, and they celebrated 60 years together until Ruth’s death in 2005. In his final 10 years, Jack lived with his daughter Jackie, where he loved and was loved by the entire neighborhood. Jack was often seen walking his beloved schnauzers, a favorite pastime. He adored his family, cherished his faith, and tirelessly gave of himself to better the lives of others.

The family wishes to express our appreciation for the loving care given by Amanda Jones, Barbara and Brenda Barkley, and also to the hospice staff of AlaCare, especially Dean, Holly, Catherine and Henry.

A celebration of Jack’s wonderful life will be at 2pm on Friday, January 30, 2015 at Southern Heritage Funeral Home, 475 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, AL 35214. The family will receive friends at a visitation beginning at 1pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or your favorite charity.