James "Jim" Eugene Summers

James “Jim” Eugene Summers of Birmingham, AL, died on December 10, 2021 after an extended illness at the age of 78. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 16, 2021 at Trinity United Methodist Church, Homewood, AL. The family will receive visitors prior to the service beginning at 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow at the Alabama National Cemetery, in Montevallo, AL.

Jim was born on October 8, 1943, in Madison, Florida. He spent most of his earlier years in Jasper, Alabama, where he attended Walker County High School and Walker College. He transferred to Birmingham-Southern College where he met his wife, Anne, and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 1967. Following graduation, he joined the U.S. Marine Corp. He served as a legal clerk and courtroom reporter during a thirteen month tour of duty in Vietnam. Following Vietnam, Jim returned to Birmingham where he and Anne were married. They moved to San Francisco where Jim worked as a surety bondsman for Traveler’s Insurance and was a member of Toastmasters International. In 1971, Jim joined the Birmingham Police Department where he began his career on the force. He first worked as a jail warden and a patrol officer. He later worked in the Department of Internal Affairs, served as commander of West Precinct, and in the Administrative offices overseeing the Department of Research & Development, Hiring, Policy & Procedures, Payroll, Inspections, and Accreditation. While with the Birmingham Police Department, he also instructed Baton, Firearms, CPR and First Aid. He was a part of FEMA and assisted the Jefferson County EMA. He was on the board and served as secretary of COSPO, Children of Slain Police Officers, and was the Chairman of the Birmingham Police Credit Supervisory Committee which managed the Police Credit Union. Jim represented the Birmingham Police Department in the Friendship Force to Costa Rica. In 1976, he graduated from UAB with a degree in Criminal Justice and earned an Emergency Medical Technician III certification. He completed a Masters in Public and Private Management in 1995 at Birmingham-Southern College. In 2008, after 36 years of service, he retired from the Police Department as a Lieutenant. Jim also served 9 years with the 109th Army National Guard as a medic including an assignment in Panama.

Since Jim could never really retire, he spent his time as a founding resident and security guard in the Town of Mt Laurel, was an active member of CERT (Citizen Emergency Response Team), and established Mt Laurel’s first Neighborhood Watch Program. He also worked as a security guard at Shoal Creek greeting residents and keeping a watchful eye over the neighborhood.

Jim was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Homewood for 45 years where he was active in the Aldersgate Sunday School Class, taught adult and youth Sunday school classes, led Disciple Bible Studies, served on the Administrative Board, was an usher, greeter, and other various committees. He often spent the night at church while hosting families in the Interfaith Hospitality Network. In addition, Jim served as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader at Trinity.

Of all the accomplishments in his life, he was most proud of his family. He loved to spend time with them and he cherished every minute. He was a kind and gentle man of deep faith, humor, and a friend to many. He never missed an opportunity to take his family camping and create new adventures. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, eating breakfasts at Jimbo’s Soda Fountain in Mt Laurel, biking, visiting with friends, and attending family functions.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Christie and Janet Summers; brothers Christie W. Summers III and Daniel Thorpe Summers. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Anne White Summers; daughter Suzan Summers Brandt (John); son Jimmy Summers (Melissa); and four grandchildren: Virginia Kate Brandt, Jack Brandt, Lucy Summers, and Helen Grace Summers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Trinity United Methodist Church in Homewood, UAB Music Therapy Department, or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. His family would like to graciously thank Dr. Pankit Vachhani, his staff and the numerous doctors and nurses of UAB hematology; Kirklin Clinic Infusion Therapy; Hematology Oncology Surgical Unit; Palliative Care Unit; Music Therapy as well as the community of friends and neighbors who have loved and cared for him. Also, a special thanks to the pastors of Trinity UMC, staff, and Aldersgate Sunday School Class for their continued love, encouragement and support.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsvalleychapel.com for the Summers family.