James Howard Shoemaker

James will lovingly be remembered by his son Randall Wayne Shoemaker (Mistie) and grandchildren Charis, Daniel and Joy Ella. He had one sister, Rosalyn Jordan, and a foster sister, Jerries Ann Patrick. James had two nieces and one nephew ( Jucretia Snow, La Donna McDonnell, and Roy Logue), as well as an ex-wife, Jennie Shoemaker.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Kathleen Shoemaker.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, August 28, 2021, at 3 PM at Memory Chapel, with public visitation starting at 2 PM. Memory chapel is located at 2200 Skyland Blvd. East, Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

James graduated from Tuscaloosa County High School in Northport, Alabama, in 1969. He then attended the University of Alabama and successfully completed a Bachelor of Science in Music Education in 1973. While at the University one of his major accomplishments was marching in the Million Dollar Band.

James began his career as a minister of music and youth at Chapel Hill Baptist Church in Northport, Alabama. He served many churches throughout his career: Eastside Freewill Baptist Church, Big Sandy Baptist Church, Rehoboth Baptist Church, Sycamore Baptist Church, South Highlands Baptist Church, First Baptist Church Greenville, Taylorville Baptist Church, Holt Baptist Church, and Carrollton Baptist Church.

While at Big Sandy Baptist Church, James moved his family to Ft. Worth, Texas, to attend SouthWestern Baptist Theological Seminary where he received his Master’s Degree in Church Music.

Upon his return to Alabama he joined the Alabama Singing Men which was, at the time, a choir and orchestra of Full-time Ministers of Music created and supported by the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions. James participated for many years in their concerts, tours and mission trips.

While serving at First Baptist Church in Greenville, AL, James had the honor of being ordained into the Gospel Ministry. After serving in Greenville for 12 years he returned to the University of Alabama. Upon completion of his internship at Central State Hospital in Milledgeville, GA, he received his certification in Music Therapy and was immediately offered a position at the Alice Kidd Nursing Facility on the Bryce Hospital Campus in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

James retired to Pensacola, FL, in 2011. He immediately shared his love of music with the community by being one of the first nine members of the Pensacola Bay Concert Band.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the GoFundMe page set up to cover funeral expenses or the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America.

https://gofund.me/850b19e8