James Lucian Batson III

James L. Batson, III, “Jim”, age 84 of Wilsonville, Alabama passed peacefully on Monday, November 27, 2023. He is now in the comfort of his Lord and Savior. Jim was born on April 3, 1939, to parents James L. Batson, Jr. and Elizabeth Pratt Smith Batson in Birmingham, Alabama. Jim graduated from Shelby County High School and enlisted in the United States Air Force. He retired after 21 years of service. During his time in the Air Force, he served 3 tours in Vietnam. Once stateside, He continued his education while still enlisted and obtained a degree in Criminal Justice.

Jim returned home to Wilsonville, Alabama after 21-year military career and continued to serve our community as a law enforcement officer, EMT and Volunteer Fireman with the Wilsonville VFD Volunteer Fire Department.

Jim met and married his devoted wife, friend, and life-long partner Marie Hurst Batson in 1978. They were married for 45 years at the time of his passing.

Jim was devoted to his community and gave back wherever he could. He was a Lieutenant in Warner Robins, Georgia with the Warner Robins Police Department while also still serving in the Air Force, a Deputy Sheriff for Shelby County, Alabama, as a Captain for the Alabama State Troopers, a dispatcher for Columbiana, Alabama Police Department. He also served as an EMT and Volunteer Fireman for the City of Wilsonville, Alabama for over 40 years.

Jim had a passion for trains. He was a member of Smokey City Rails. He enjoyed building model trains, spending time with the members of the club, riding trains, and just watching webcams of various train sites across the US. He enjoyed cutting grass at home as well as for those who had a need. Jim said it is the one job that you know how well you did when you finished. If you ask anyone who knew Jim, he never met a stranger, he could and would talk your ear off, and always had a story to tell.

Jim was proceeded in death by his parents, James L. Batson, Jr., Elizabeth Batson, an Infant Sister, his daughter Terri Jobe Broach and his brother John T. Batson.

Jim leaves behind his wife, Marie Batson, his children Beth Batson, Cindy Batson, James L. Batson, IV (Anjie), and Chris Batson. He was blessed with six (6) grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He is also survived by William F. Batson (Judy) and Barbara Batson as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to New Beacon Hospice for their care and compassion, a multitude of friends and the Wilsonville Fire Department for their unending love and support.

A graveside service will be held at Southern Heritage Funeral Home and Cemetery, 475 Cahaba Valley Rd, Pelham, AL 35124 on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at 11:00 am. Pastor Tim Henry of Macedonia South Baptist Church in Pea Ridge will be presiding over the service.

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