James Henry Staggers

James Henry Staggers was born July 31, 1912, at Steiners’ Store, Butler County, Alabama, and was named after his great-grandfather, James Henry Staggers. He was the oldest of seven children born to John William Taylor and Lenora Vernon Chancellor Staggers. Mr. Staggers finished high school at Lowndes County High, Ft. Deposit, Alabama, in 1937, after a stint in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp in the Bankhead National Forest in North AL. He graduated from Alabama Polytechnic Institute (API) in Auburn, Alabama, with a BS Degree in vocational agricultural education in June of l941. API later became Auburn University. Mr. Staggers was commissioned Second Lieutenant, Field Artillery (FA) May 194l. He was called to active duty August 1941, and served in World War II with the 34th Infantry Division in Africa and Italy, and later in Germany with the 425th FA Group as an Army Pilot, and was awarded the Air Medal.

When the war was over, Mr. Staggers left the army and taught vocational agriculture in Orrville High School, Dallas County, Alabama, from l946 to 1951, and also coached peewee football. He was recalled to active duty and went to Korea, serving in the 7th Division Artillery as an Army Aviator, and was awarded the Air Medal four times. He then joined the 24th Division in Japan. After returning to the states, Mr. Staggers was awarded the Commendation Ribbon with Medal Pendant. He retired from the Reserves as a Senior Army Aviator with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and later worked for the State of Alabama as an interviewer in employment services.

Mr. Staggers was an avid fisherman and hunter all of his life, and took up bridge and golf at a later age. He scored 3 ‘holes-in-one’. In his 90's, he self-published 2 books: Ninety-something Great Years and Some Other Stuff / The Life and Times of James H. Staggers II, his autobiography, and Staggers’ Stories, a collection of his short stories written over 15+ years. His last golf game was at age 101. Mr. Staggers also continued the extensive work of his first wife, Lou Coker Staggers, in maintaining the Staggers & Chancellor families’ genealogy.

His 2nd wife, Lois Willene Moorehead, whom he married May 11, 2002, survives Mr. Staggers. He had no children. He is also survived by 10 nieces & nephews: Carolyn Judy Dees, Steven Jay Dunn, Suzanne Dunn, James Paul Hall, Thomas Ricky Hall, Agnes Boudin Dunn Hammer, Patricia Suzanne Johnson, Caron Lynn Prati, Thomas Roan Staggers and Dee Coker. Cousin Ramona Hartsell, great niece Jaemi JoKate Hemphill, great nephew James Paul Hall, Jr. and many other great nieces & nephews and their children survive him. Mr. Staggers enjoyed a wonderful extended family from both wives.

Mr. Staggers is predeceased by his parents, John & Vernon Staggers: his first wife, Lou Coker Golson Staggers, who died August 12, 1998 in Prattville, Alabama: his 6 brothers and sisters, Neva Marie Staggers, John William Staggers Jr., Myrtle Staggers, Robert Jackson Staggers, Earlene S. Dunn and Otis Jeroe Staggers.

Mr. Staggers died March 23, 2015 at the amazing age of 102, leaving behind many loved relatives & friends who marveled at his youthful attitude and eagerness for new experiences and learning. We will miss him.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 25, at Ridouts-Brown Prattville Chapel at 2:00 PM with Rev. Paul Hill and Dr. Travis Coleman officiating. home. Burial with Military Honors followed at Prattville Memory Gardens, Prattville, AL. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to First Baptist Church in Prattville, Alabama 60+ Golf Association, Alacare Hospice Montgomery or to any charity that you desire.