James Edgar Waldrop

James Edgar Waldrop 01/09/1935-03/11/2025

On January 9, 1935 James Edgar Waldrop was born to George D. Waldrop and Hazel B Waldrop in Birmingham Alabama.

He was a man of many names; James, Jimmy, Jim, Dad, Pawpaw, Great Pawpaw, Great Great Pawpaw, Mr. Magoo, and Friend were just a few.

His early life was in the Pinson Alabama area. Moving to Tarrant, then the East Lake area in Birmingham and finally moving to his happy place in Clanton, Alabama at Beautiful Lake Mitchell.

Jim would often tell stories about his life experiences. Losing his mother at an early age, caring for his grandfather and working to pay rent during his last couple of years in high school. Starting a family and all the things one can experience in life. Jim had some hard times when he was young, but he was determined to take life by the horns, and I can tell you this man LIVED every minute of his life, and he was immensely blessed succeeding in everything he set out to do.

Jim traveled the country visiting 49 states and has also traveled abroad with this most recent foreign trip to the Holy Land where he was fortunate enough to be Baptized in the Jordan River near the site where Jesus was baptized.

Jim’s career started at the Alabama Theatre when he was in high school working as an usher. He then moved to the L&N Railroad and Railway Express in Birmingham. Then to Dillard Paper Company in Birmingham. Jim worked for years at Dillard becoming the warehouse manager for Birmingham and eventually the Montgomery location too until Dillard was acquired by International Paper Company retiring in 1996.

Aside from his career Jim was very active as a coach in Little League Football and umpire in Little League Baseball. Even after Jims sons moved on from Little League football he continued as a coach. Not only for his love of the sport, but for the opportunity it gave him to make a positive difference in the lives of the boys he coached. He didn’t only teach them how to be great football players but how to grow into successful young men. Over the years he coached his teams to multiple regional and state championships. He was also very involved as a softball player being an ace pitcher for the leagues in which he played. He was also a cutthroat card player and played with the family up until the day before he left this world. Make no mistake that even in his last days on this earth he was not to be underestimated playing cards!

Jim was a member of Providence Baptist Church#2 in Clanton. Jim was an active member and loved his church family. He also enjoyed in playing a part in the Sonrise Service on Easter.

In Jims role as a coach, umpire and manager he made a positive impact on the lives of a lot of people.  Several of these people have reached out to the family as adults to comment on Jims leadership, mentoring and positive impact he made on their lives. Several of these young men went on to do great things in their lives. Whether it be becoming a public servant, leader at a successful company or kicking bad habits to become better people, a lot of these people have given credit to Jim’s influence and his focus on teaching them to become better people and to always focus to maintain the highest level of integrity and to be a good person.

Jim never met a stranger and had a host of friends throughout his life. He was an avid outdoorsman. He was a fisherman and hunter. He was a devoted fan of the University of Alabama whether they were playing football or basketball. If you ever watched a game with him, you were used to him changing the channel for a few minutes to calm down when the players made a mistake. Nick Saban didn’t hold a candle to Jim’s expectation of excellence with college sports.

After Jim’s retirement he began creating jewelry from antique silverware, founding his company Unique Silverware Jewelry. While creating this jewelry he attended countless arts and crafts shows across Alabama selling bracelets, rings, pendants and windchimes. He also took every opportunity to 'witness' to many about Jesus often giving them a bracelet with a cross as a keepsake of knowing Jesus. People from all over the country sent their family heirloom silverware to him to create jewelry for their families and purchase his other creations. Through his network and a special mention to “May May Made it” in Clanton he became a bit of a YouTube sensation. He even commented “I’m Kind of famous” referring to the amazing social media following of his crafts. He won several awards for his crafts. During the past several years he forged relationships in the Arts and Crafts community that will never be forgotten.

Jim filled the role of the patriarch of our family with pride. If you knew him, you certainly knew he was always bragging on his family. He was very proud of us all. His kids, grand kids, great grands, nephew’s nieces and all. He had his own personal family network of people that could do anything. He surely kept all with something to do! There wasn’t anyone in the family he wasn’t proud of, and he gleamed with pride to brag on us all.

I am proud to say he is a legend within our family and with countless people he had a positive influence on in his 90 years on this earth.   He was a remarkable man and loved our family with all his heart. Jim influenced our family and set his expectations for us all. He often quoted his grandfather when encouraging us to be our best. Many times, I heard, “If you’re going to be a ditch digger, dig the best ditch.” In short, he expected each of us to do our very best in everything we set out to do. He often spoke of hard work, dedication and that our integrity was never to be sacrificed.

Till the last days Jim was still sharp minded, quick witted with his amazing sense of humor and loving to his family.

Jim passed away on March 11, 2025, surrounded by his family. As he took his last breaths he lifted his hands much like a child reaching for their father while his eyes were looking up. Our Holy Father came to take one of his children home!

Jim was preceded in death by his parents George and Hazel Waldrop, his brother Douglas Waldrop, And his great granddaughter Baylee Grace Peterman .

He is survived by his wonderful wife of 50 years, Carol Waldrop, daughters Beverly Golightly (Allen) of Pinson Al., Pamela Morgan (Thomas) of Birmingham Al., Jerrie Rentfrow (Todd) of Corner Al. sons Greg Waldrop of Norris, Tn., Michael Waldrop (Theresa) of Alexander City Al., 16  grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandson.

Paul bearers at Jims request will be his grandchildren, Johnny Peterman, Jeremy Golightly, Jason Peterman, Heather Hostetler, Tracy Fink, Nicole Waldrop, Caleb Waldrop and Timothy Waldrop.

Reverends Glenn Bonds and Michael Waldrop officiating.

The family welcome flowers but also suggest you donate to St Jude’s or Providence Baptist Church children’s ministry fund.