James David Tingle

TUSCALOOSA - James David Tingle, age 89, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, was reunited with the Lord on February 3, 2017, with his family by his side. He was born March 24, 1927 to the late James Daniel Tingle and Ethel Sutherland Tingle of Haleyville, Alabama. He graduated from John Bartram High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and attended the University of Alabama where he met his wife, Doris Lorene Cook Tingle. Known by his friends as "Jim" and by his grandchildren as "Gran Gran", he had a way of lighting up the room with his presence. Whether he was telling jokes or trying to figure out how he knows you, his contagious spirit always sought to connect to those around him. He was a United States Marine Corporal serving in China during World War II as part of a tank battalion. He played in the minor leagues as a pitcher for the Cubs. He was an avid golfer, traveling to many destinations to play in tournaments. He worked at BF Goodrich for 37 years and when he retired he spent time traveling abroad with Doris to Austria, Germany, Greece, Switzerland, Italy, and the Holy Land. He was quite the musician, often playing a tune on his fiddle or the piano. Music was dear to his heart and he shared that love with his family. He enjoyed model trains and always put up large displays at Christmas. He also took pleasure in building model airplanes, cars, and ships with his grandchildren. He was a godly man, attending Hargrove United Methodist church for over 65 years. He was a man of honor, courage, and great strength; providing a solid foundation for his family. Those closest to him remember his hallmark smile, playful laugh, amazing storytelling, that special twinkle in his eye, and the close bond he was able to form with everyone he met. He is survived by his four sons, James Barton Tingle (Carroll), David Franklin Tingle (Rhonda), Robert Michael Tingle (Lorrie) and Timothy Mark Tingle (Stacee). Also surviving are his brother, Thomas Theodore "Ted" Tingle as well as nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Lorene Cook Tingle and his sister, Juanita T. Veve. Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 6, 2017, at Memory Chapel Funeral Home. Dr. Ken Chapman will be officiating the memorial service beginning at 2:00 p.m. The burial will be immediately following in Memory Hill Gardens with Memory Chapel Funeral Home directing. Pallbearers will be Daniel Tingle, Jeff Tingle, Steve Sempier, Luke Montgomery, Jonathan Ford and Adam Tant. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Hospice of West Alabama.