James "Art" Arthur Stanford

James Arthur “Art” Stanford, 96, died Thursday, June 6, 2024. Art was born in Cedartown, GA. He served in the Merchant Marines, The Army Air Corp which became The Air Force during his enlistment. His final military service was with the Air Force Reserve being honorably discharged as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1955.

Art attended Howard University in Birmingham, AL on the GI Bill where he met his wife Sarah, who was from Birmingham. After their wedding, Art and Sarah moved to Auburn where he completed his degree as an Electrical Engineer. They then relocated to Knoxville, TN then to Rossville, Ga working for TVA. Art then furthered his career and the move was made to Decatur, AL where he worked for Wolverine before their final move to Huntsville in 1963. He finished his career working as a civilian employee of the Army Missile Command on the Redstone Arsenal.

Art was the last surviving sibling of 14 brothers and sisters. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Sarah and his eldest son, James A. “Jim” Stanford. Survivors include son, Steve (Angie); daughter, Debbie; grandchildren, Serina, Justin, Jay and Sam; and great grandchildren Silas and Cillian and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Art will be held Sunday, June 9, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Valhalla Funeral Home, 698 Winchester Rd Ne, Huntsville, Alabama 35811. Following the visitation will be a the celebration of life service with military honors at 2:00 PM at Valhalla Funeral Home Chapel, 698 Winchester Rd NE, Huntsville, Alabama 35811. Art will be laid to rest in Valhalla Memory Gardens, Huntsville, AL.

In lieu of flowers, donations made be made to the Downtown Rescue Mission 1400 Evangel Dr NW Huntsville, AL 35816 or, Bible Broadcasting Network PO Box 7300 Charlotte, NC 28241 or Young Life Huntsville, PO Box 12041 Huntsville, AL 35815.