James Rogers Harrington

Jim was born on April 11, 1940, in Valdosta, Georgia, to Nell and Joseph Bryant Harrington. He graduated from Valdosta High School in 1958 and went on to attend Valdosta State College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences in 1962. Jim was always proud to be from Valdosta and loved to reminisce about the football legacy of the Wildcats and the “good old days” with Coach Bazemore.

Following graduation from Valdosta State, Jim joined the United States Navy and graduated from Officer Candidate School in 1962. In 1965, he married the love of his life, Kay Frances. While serving in the Navy, he fought in the Vietnam War alongside his shipmates aboard the aircraft carrier USS Constellation. Upon completion of his active-duty service, Jim continued serving in the Navy Reserves achieving the rank of Captain. He retired in 1991, concluding 30 years of dedicated service to his country.

Jim worked in the food manufacturing industry for nearly 30 years and played an integral role in the development of the quality control laboratory at Golden Flake Snack Foods in Birmingham, Alabama.

While Jim held many titles throughout his life, his favorite was “Papa.” Whether spending weekends at Pelham Park watching his grandchildren play baseball and softball or traveling to away games, you could always count on Papa to be there in his folding chair, often sitting right behind home plate.

An avid fisherman, Jim and Kay spent more than 20 summers on Lake Martin with their family. Countless memories were made and laughter was abundant.

Jim was a longtime member of the Birmingham Bass Masters and cherished time spent with his brothers, especially on the lakes and ponds around their home in South Georgia.

In retirement, Jim dedicated much of his time to volunteering at the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge, where he provided transportation for patients receiving treatment in the Birmingham area. He was also an active member of the Sertoma Club, where he formed many lifelong friendships.

Jim is survived by his brother, John (Darden) Harrington; his children, James Rogers Harrington, Jr. “Jim” (Allison) and Nancy Lynne Tomlinson; and five grandchildren, Lauren Michelle Truitt (Andrew), Emily Jane Swiney (Rodney), Ryan Alexander Tomlinson, Kaylyn Anne Tomlinson, and Katie Elizabeth Harrington.

The memorial service and visitation will be Sunday, March 1, 2026 at the Helena Hollow Entertainment Farm, 6027 Highway 17, Helena, AL 35080. The service will begin at 4 p.m., and the visitation will be 5-6 p.m. at the venue.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, the Metro Sertoma Club of Birmingham, or Hope Lodge.