James McAdory Gillespy III

Jim was the devoted husband of Geraldine “Gerry” Palfery Gillespy for over 69 years, and his love and adoration for her was unwavering. Jim was predeceased by his parents, Mary Adelaide Byrum Gillespy and James McAdory Gillespy, Jr. He is survived by Gerry and their four children: Geraldine “Dina” Owen Gillespy of Falls Church, VA; James “Jim” McAdory Gillespy IV, of Franklin, TN; Nancy Gillespy Kimberly (Jack) of Birmingham; and Gerald Palfery Gillespy (Rosemary) of Birmingham; and six grandchildren: James Michael Spivey (Samantha) of Upper Marlboro, MD; John Holbrook “Brooks” Kimberly, Jr. of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Adelaide Essick Kimberly of New York, NY; Anna Catherine Gillespy of Birmingham; Elizabeth Rose Gillespy of Nashville, TN; and James McAdory Gillespy of Birmingham. He is also survived by his sister, Adelaide Gillespy MacLeod of Birmingham, and his brother, Thomas Clayton Gillespy of Montevallo, AL, and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was well-traveled, well-read, and fiercely protective and supportive of his family. His children will always remember him as the epitome of a good man and good father. An avid reader, he enjoyed learning about history and historical figures, especially anything having to do with London, England and his favorite author Samuel Pepys. He also was proud of his family’s heritage as one of the early pioneer families of Jefferson County. He enjoyed his membership in the West Jefferson Historical Society and researching family history and genealogy.

From an early age growing up in Forest Park, Jim developed a love of the outdoors and began a lifelong involvement with the Boy Scouts of America. After graduation from Phillips High School, he attended Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University). When the Korean Conflict began, he felt duty-bound to volunteer and joined the U.S. Army. After three years of service and an honorable discharge, Jim graduated from Birmingham-Southern College. It was there that he met and married Gerry, the love of his life. The two were married in 1955.

Jim spent a career in the news business and was a talented writer and editor. He liked to say that he was born with “ink in his blood.” He began his career in Tallahassee, FL in 1957 working for United Press International. In 1967, Jim and his family returned to Birmingham where Jim went to work for his Alma Mater. He then was hired by UAB in 1976 to start the UAB Report and served as the Editor-in-Chief until his retirement on May 1, 1995.

Jim was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, where he was a longtime lay reader. His favorite ministry was the Boy Scouts. Before moving to Tallahassee, Jim served as the first scoutmaster of Troop 86 at St. Luke’s. Upon returning to his hometown, he re-joined the troop and volunteered as an assistant scoutmaster for many years. Numerous scouts remember Jim leading them on campouts and on his famous 50-mile hikes in and around Birmingham.

In retirement, Jim and Gerry traveled the world and made lasting memories, starting with an extended stay in his beloved London. Lovers of the arts, they enjoyed going to the opera, theatre, and museums, especially with their friends. Jim’s other passion was the Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve. He regularly volunteered there, spending countless hours establishing and maintaining many of the hiking trails that visitors still enjoy to this day. His years of service were recognized in 2002 when he was given the Ruffner Mountain “Golden Oak Award.”

The family would like to thank their friends, family, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, and the doctors and caregivers at St. Vincent’s Hospital, the Bruno Cancer Center, and Compassus Hospice for their care and support.

The immediate family will hold a private graveside service at Elmwood Cemetery on December 6, 2024. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Ruffner Mountain Nature Coalition, Inc., 1214 81st Street South, Birmingham, AL 35206, or to The St. Luke’s Foundation, 3736 Montrose Road, Mountain Brook, AL 35213.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7.