James Witcher Jr.

Birmingham attorney James Stanley Witcher Jr. suffered a fatal heart attack on Christmas Eve, 2020. He was 80 years of age. Born July 11, 1940 in Macon, Georgia, he was the only son of James Stanley Witcher Sr. and Emily Damour Stephens. At Auburn University, he was an officer in the Upsilon chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. After graduation he served as a Jefferson County Sherriff’s Deputy and attended Cumberland School of Law. In 1968, he married Pamela Kay Heath with whom he fathered sons James Stanley Witcher III (52), Michael Heath Witcher (1970-2017), and Scott Stephens Witcher (42). He is also survived by three granddaughters: Sarah Kirstin Witcher (23), Katherine Elise Witcher (16), and Lilly Christine Witcher (12).

Before establishing his law practice in Birmingham, he served as an active duty JAG officer and took part in the investigation of the infamous explosion aboard the supercarrier USS Forrestal in 1967. He later achieved the rank of Commander in the US Navy Reserves. A courtroom attorney, he practiced criminal defense, civil litigation, and family law. Much of his work involved defending clients who were poor or had been mistreated. Whether in the courtroom or in his private life, Jim Witcher was driven by a sense of justice, and he fiercely defended those who were not in position to defend themselves. He loved to entertain listeners with colorful stories. He was passionate in his Christian faith, his love of country, and pride over his family. He was deeply loved and will be forever missed.

Friends are cordially invited to the visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 4th, at Ridout's Valley Chapel located at 1800 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, Alabama 35209. A funeral service will take place immediately after the visitation commencing at 11:00 a.m. followed by a graveside ceremony at Birmingham's Historic Elmwood Cemetery. Flowers may be sent to Ridout’s Valley Chapel.