James Richard Byers

James Richard Byers "Jimmy" passed away at his home Sunday, September 6, 2026, at age 74 surrounded by family. He is survived by the love of his life for 58 years, Karen Turner Byers; three children Matt, Adam (Leigh), and Josh (Candice); 5 treasured grandchildren, Tristan, Emma, Ava, Clara, and Jane; sisters Lynn Brantley and Judy Banks. Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Saraharte Byers; his brother, Al Byers; and his sister, Wanda Tibbets.

Jimmy was an avid sportsman and talented athlete. He graduated from St. Clair County High School in 1970. He lettered in baseball, basketball, and football, and was the first winning quarterback at St. Clair County High School. He played baseball for Jacksonville State University where he graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration in 1974. He was on the Leeds Merchants softball team even into his forties. Jimmy worked at Lehigh Portland Cement for 39 years where he made many lifelong friends. He loved hunting, fishing, and Alabama football. Jimmy served in the Army National Guard for 6 years from 1972 - 1978.

Jimmy joined Bethel Baptist Church at a young age, and after he married Karen, he moved his membership to Acmar United Methodist Church where he was a faithful member until his death. Jimmy loved life and was determined to live it for as long as he could. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

At Jimmy's request in lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital PO Box 50 Memphis, TN 38105 or stjude.org/donatetoday - or Alzheimer's of Central Alabama 300 Office Park Dr Suite 225 Birmingham, AL 35223 or alzca.org/donate-now/ The family would like to extend their gratitude to Lakeside Hospice, and sitters: Sharon Reynolds and Jennifer Brown.

Visitation will be Wednesday Sept. 9 from 12 until 2pm with funeral service to follow at 2pm in our chapel. Burial will be in Liberty Cemetery in Odenville.