James Harwell

August 1, 1964 – July 27, 2016. James Harwell, loving husband and father, military veteran, deacon, musician, and lifetime resident of Bluff Park passed away five days shy of his 52nd birthday. James is the youngest son of Hoyt Garland Harwell and Elizabeth Granade Harwell. James married Kimberly Brandon Harwell in 1995, and together they have raised Brandon Andrew Harwell (now 15 years old) and Eleanor Jo Harwell (now 14 years old). Other surviving family members include Hoyt Garland Harwell, Jr, Julia Elizabeth Harwell Segars (Harvey Franklin Segars, Jr), Emily Elizabeth Thomas, Tate Sanders Thomas, Logan Margaret Harwell, McCall Ann Harwell, Harper Wood Harwell, Franklin Todd Segars (Suzanne Johnson Segars), Angela Ruth Segars Anderegg (Matthew Anderegg), Grace Elizabeth Segars, Claire Elise Segars, Alana Ruth Anderegg, Regan Margaret Anderegg, Lynn and Harriette Brandon, Beth Brandon Allen (Charles Allen), and Martha Elizabeth Allen. James attended Bluff Park Elementary and graduated from Berry High School in 1982. He then served 4 years in the United States Navy, stationed both in Sicily and Tampa, FL. Upon discharge, James returned to his hometown where he achieved his B.A. in English Literature from UAB and embarked upon a 25+ year career in residential real estate. As a top producer with RealtySouth, James received many industry awards, and served in leadership positions on numerous boards. He was chosen as Birmingham Association of Realtors Residential Sales Associate of the Year in 2011 and was elected President of BAR in 2015. James was an accomplished musician, performing regionally with local bands: The Undertow, The Sleepys, and Crunchy. Most recently, James recorded two solo albums of original material. James loved reading a good novel, was always up for a game of cards, and enjoyed gathering with friends to cheer the Crimson Tide to victory on the gridiron. Family and Faith, however, were the most important pillars of James’ life. James loved spending time with family, whether it was relaxing on the deck in the cool of the evening with Kim, Brandon, and EJ, or taking a road trip to explore somewhere new and exciting. James was an active member and deacon at Shades Crest Baptist Church. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior as a young man and as he aged, he grew closer to God and stronger in his faith. His church family continually surrounded him and supported him throughout his life journey…in good times and bad. Kim, Brandon, and Eleanor Jo would like to express extreme gratitude for everyone’s prayers and visits. Special thanks is also extended to Tomiko Knight for her tender care the past few weeks. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, July 29, 2016 at 3 pm at Shades Crest Baptist Church. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”, Romans 15:13