Bonnie Keiffer James

Bonnie Keiffer James was called home by his Creator June 30, 2015. He was born September 3, 1925 in Falkville, Alabama. He served in the US Army in World War II, including an assignment to General Douglas McArthur’s Headquarters in the Pacific. After an Honorable Discharge in 1946, he received a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Music from Birmingham Southern College. His first job was Band Director at Hanceville High School where he started its first band program, then moved to Cullman High School in 1955 where he stayed until retiring in 1979. Music was his life whether directing, singing, or playing every instrument. Teaching the fundamentals of music to students was important, but he also believed the appreciation of good music developed character, compassion, and gentleness. He referred to his students as “Band Kids” - proud of every one because they had voluntarily chosen to explore the magic of music.

Even after retirement, he stayed active in community and school events, but was happiest at home on his farm with his wife, Nancy Dunlap James. Nancy passed away September 17, 2003 after 45 years of marriage. Bonnie often said that he was doing the best he could from that point but life was never the same. What a love they can now enjoy for Eternity! We want to thank everyone that helped him live independently since her passing. In particular, his wonderful neighbors Ronnie and Martha Hart, who were also by Nancy’s side in her final months. And the friendship offered by Lavell and Jackie Thrasher and Richard and Cynthia Newman.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 6, 2015 at Moss Funeral Home Chapel 11:00 A.M. Interment will be in Hopewell Cemetery.

He is pre-deceased by his parents, Jewel and Maggie James; two sisters, Vonell Kleinschmidt and Rozell Osborne; and brother Joel James. He is survived by his brother, Hollis James (Jan) of Hartselle; son, Brian James (wife Ann Marie) and grandchildren Blake and Julia; and daughter Laurie Lea James Borland (husband Sid) and grandchildren Katie, James, and Abbie. Plus numerous nephews and nieces.

He will be missed by all that knew him not just because of his work, but because of his conduct every-single-day. He loved and honored his wife; he loved and encouraged his children and grandchildren; he practiced humility and compassion with his friends. He loved his country. He appreciated the outdoors. He told the truth. He enjoyed hard work. He meant what he said. He made the world a better place.

He was always fond of quotes from men of reason and would share them often with friends and family. One, in particular, he cited repeatedly in recent years: “ Snatching the Eternal out of the desperately fleeting is the great magic trick of human existence.” God Bless this wonderful man.

In lieu of flowers, consider donations to The Wounded Warrior Project of Gideon’s Bible Society.

Visitation will be at Moss Funeral Home on Sunday, July 5, 2015 from 3:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M.