Rev. James Douglas Elrod of Birmingham, Alabama passed away Wednesday, March 23, 2022. "Jim" was born to Lois and Monroe Elrod on July 26, 1937. He is preceded in death by his wife of 33 years, Dale Curry Elrod; his parents; his brother, Jerry Elrod (Fran); and sisters, Joan Atchison (Clyde) and Carol Atchison (Dwight).
Survivors include Jim's brother, Michael Elrod (Lisa); children, Teri Young, Karen Martin (Steve), and John Elrod; step-daughters, Brandi Curry Jones (Alan) and Jenny Curry Moore (Brian); and grandchildren, Katie Ehlers, Michael Young, Brandy Waldrep, Kelly Martin, Ben Elrod, Sarah Elrod, Mary Elrod, Anna Jones, Jacob Moore, and Alaina Jones; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
Jim graduated from Ensley High School and married Catherine Wells (Smith). He received the Bachelor of Arts Degree from Samford University and the Master of Divinity Degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and he was Board Certified with the Association of Professional Chaplains.
Jim married Dale on December 30, 1988, and they spent many years enjoying a shared hobby of photography and exploring their favorite vacation spot, the Great Smoky Mountains. For many years Jim was an active member of the Shades Valley Camera Club and was forever on the hunt for the perfect shot. He played basketball and church softball for many years.
Jim worked at Positive Maturity and Gateway Children’s Home. He had a 23-year career as a hospital and hospice chaplain in Birmingham. He was Director of Princeton Towers and Lake Villa, and Hospice Chaplain at Baptist Health System, UAB Health System, and Wiregrass Hospice. Many patients and their families were blessed by his loving care and his devotion to the hospice philosophy. He was Pastor of Odenville Presbyterian Church for over 25 years and enjoyed a close relationship with his congregation.
Jim spent his life in devoted service to his community and civic work. He was an active member of Rotary International, the Past President of Irondale Eastwood Rotary and Ensley Rotary, and the Chairman of International Service for Alabaster Pelham Rotary.
Jim was the volunteer chaplain for Community of Hope. He served on the Board for the Jefferson County Council on Aging, including Meals on Wheels, the Alabama Interfaith Coalition on Aging, the Alabama Coalition for Cultural Change, and on the Advisory Board for Positive Maturity-Shepherd Center. In his last years, he was Regional Director for Twilight Wish Foundation - Birmingham Chapter. He was Founding Chairman of the Alabama Silver Haired Legislature and inducted into the Alabama Senior Citizen Hall of Fame.
The family would like to thank the staff at the U.A.B. Hospital Palliative Care unit for their comforting care.
Friends will be received on Saturday, March 26, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home, 475 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, AL 35124. Following the visitation will be A Service of Remembrance for Jim at 12 noon at the funeral home's chapel. Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery, Birmingham. Michael Elrod and Jay Bauer will officiate, and pallbearers will be Ben Elrod, Steve Martin, John Waldrep, Jacob Moore, Alan Jones, and Brian Moore.
Memorial gifts may be made to Twilight Wish Foundation - Birmingham Chapter.
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