James W. Hart, age 94, slipped peacefully into the arms of Jesus on June 24, 2017 at his residence.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Goldia Dunn Hart, son, James Rickey Hart and his wife Joan of Gallion, AL, daughter, Linda Hart Sneed and her husband Tom of Columbus, MS, grandchildren, Melinda Sneed Lowe and her husband Jeff of Columbus, MS, Benjamin James Hart and his wife Brittany of Huntsville, AL, Elizabeth Hart Buckles and her husband Daniel of Demopolis, AL, Kelleam Hart Sneed of Starkville, MS, Samuel Arron Hart of Tuscaloosa, AL, great grandchildren, Katelyn Elise Lowe, Jeffery Taylor Lowe, and Rachel Montgomery Buckles.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elsie Garner Hart and Ervin Levanza Hart, brothers, Vonley G. Hart, Quinton E. Hart, Jessie Clyde Hart, Vidmer Earl Hart, and Clifford Hart, and sister, Vera Earl Hart Olsen.

Jim was born on Oct. 13, 1922, in Gainstown, Alabama where he excelled in school and was valedictorian of his class. He received a full scholarship to the University of the South in Sewannee, Tennessee where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Jim became part of the “Greatest Generation” when he volunteered to join the Navy after our nation was attacked on Dec. 7, 1941. He served on the USS Wisconsin and was deployed to the South Pacific for four years.  When he returned home to Jackson, AL, he met the love of his life, Goldia Dunn.  He was employed by NAPA Auto Parts as manager and quickly became known as the car guru. He owned two successful Auto Part businesses in Thomasville and Columbus, Mississippi.

Jim was a Mason, a member of VFW Post 4272, was actively involved in the Columbus Chamber of Commerce in the 1960’s and 70’s, attended East End Baptist Church, and remained a member of First Methodist Church in Gainstown, Alabama. He enjoyed watching Western movies, reading Louis L’amore novels, and researching his ancestors. Always wanting to try new things, he bought his first computer at age 80 and was able to date back his ancestry to 1694. He was a blessing to his family and provided lots of laughs with his quick wit and sense of humor.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, June 27, 10-11 a.m. at Memorial Funeral Home with a graveside service and celebration of life afterwards at Friendship Cemetery with the Reverends Bill Duncan and Charles Whitney officiating.

Pallbearers will be Daniel Buckles, Ben Hart, Sam Hart, Jeff Lowe, Taylor Lowe, and Kell Sneed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.

The family would like to especially thank the nurses and staff at Kindred Hospice for the excellent care and kindness they gave our loved one.