James Whitfield Waitzman Sr.

James Whitfield Waitzman passed away at the age of 91, on Saturday, February 1, 2014. He was preceded in death by his parents Samuel D. Waitzman and Mollie Augusta Dietlein Waitzman, and by his brothers Dave Waitzman and Don Waitzman. Jim is survived by his loving and devoted wife

Mary Elizabeth Cox Waitzman; his children: James W. Waitzman, Jr. (Carole), Elizabeth Waitzman Kerr (Howard), Mollie Waitzman Chambers (Tom) and William C. Waitzman; 8 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. The family would also like to thank Danielle Swanson and Ernest Finley for all of their loving care.

He was born on July 28, 1922 in New Orleans, LA and was a lifelong resident of Birmingham. Jim attended Auburn University before joining the Navy in 1942, immediately after Pearl Harbor. He was commissioned as an officer and as a Naval Aviator and proudly served until 1945. After the war, he joined Tractor and Equipment Co. in Birmingham. During his time, the company grew to become a major statewide factor in the heavy equipment industry. Jim worked his way up through all departments of the company to become President and Chairman of the Board and served as national president of the Associated Equipment Distributors in 1968. Jim also served on the board of the Alabama Roadbuilders Association and the Alabama Coal Association and was elected to the Roadbuilders Hall of Fame. He was a member of the Mountain Brook Club, The Club, The Monday Morning Quarterback Club, the JUG Club, and enjoyed his important weekly lunch groups. Jim was a member of Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church for the last 60 years. Throughout his life he enjoyed the sea, big game fishing and boating. His strong Catholic faith, his devotion to family and his many friends were first and foremost in his life.

The family will receive friends at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church on Tuesday, February 4, 2014 from 11-12 pm. with the funeral service following at 12 noon. Private graveside services will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations in memory of Jim Waitzman may be made to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.

Arrangements under the direction of Ridout's Valley Chapel, Homewood, AL.