Broadwater, James E. (Jim), a one – in – a - million men died July 5th at home from a one – in –a - million disease, Creutzfeldt – Jakob. (CJD) is a prion disease with no treatment or cure. He accepted his diagnosis and continued to live each day as if it were his last. He was diagnosed in December and was active until the last week and never once asked “Why Me?” Jim was born in Pratt City Sept. 26, 1942 to a poor family and learned at an early age to take care of himself. He had a paper route at age 10 and added a second job at 14 by walking to Rickwood Field, working as a popcorn boy, so he could see the games. He loved baseball and eventually played catcher in the old Industrial Leagues. He was always able to tell the batter how their mother and sisters were doing. At 17 he realized he needed to get off the streets and joined the army. He was stationed in the Swiss Alps where he able to travel through Europe and complete his High School Degree. The Army made a man of him and gave him direction in life. He finished high school and came home to Pratt City and worked at Pullman Car Company in Bessemer welding rail cars. He was promoted to a supervisor when he was 23 and was one of the last employees to leave the plant when it closed. He was also employed at Jones Plumbing Systems, Steel City Nut and Bolt and his last job was at Birmingham Fastener. He took pride in all his work and loved the people he worked with and the customers and suppliers he called on. He was an outdoor boy and man and loved playing golf and being with other golfers. He had been a member at Trussville C.C., Capstone Club and recently Limestone Springs. There are so many people who loved Jim and they all know he loved and truly cared about them. Jim is survived by his wife Jo, daughter, Regina and son- in- law David Reilly, stepson Kevin and daughter- in- law Amanda Williamson. Grandsons, Zachary Carter, Lucas Reilly and Andrew Williamson. Sister, Juanita Clanton, nephew Ronnie Clanton (Vicky), niece Nina McMeekin. Sisters- in- law, Jane Williams (Carl) and Joy Borland. Special cousins, Nancy Walsh and Wanda Nesbitt. He is survived by numerous McDaniel’s, McDonalds, Wadsworth’s and Broadwater’s cousins and his cousin, Eddy McDaniel, who is keeper of the family records. He loved the last reunion he was able to attend in May. Special thanks to New Beacon Hospice staff for the love and help in giving Jim peace and to everyone at Birmingham Fastener for all they did for him the last 7 months. We were blessed to have Michelle Jennings with us to help Jim in his last days. Children of his heart are Elizabeth, Donna, Jody, Maggie (BH), Laura, Hunter, Mack, Madeline, Becky, Jess, Melinda, Liam, Emmy, Jackson. Brothers and sisters of his heart are John and Sue, Ted and Katherine, Charlie and Peggy, Ethel and Corky, Wayne and Carolyn, Rich and Barb, Curtis and Brenda, Cheryl, Christine, Janet and Wanda. The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 7, 2011 from 4:30pm to 8:00pm at Southern Heritage Funeral Home. Military services will be held on Friday, July 8, 2011 at 10:15am at the Alabama National Cemetery. The family is establishing a living memorial to Jim at Aldridge Gardens in Hoover, Alabama. In lieu of gifts or flowers, please send contributions or donations to the Jim Broadwater Memorial Fund, Aldridge Gardens 3530 Lorna Road, Hoover, Alabama 35216. Dedication reception to be held at a later date.
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