James "Jimmy" Robert Jernigan Sr.

James (Jimmy) Robert Jernigan - Life's journey began on Sept. 9, 1938. His parents were George James Jernigan (formally of Brewton) and Beatrice Parker (Whistler). Jimmy was born in the house where his mother was born, Warren Street, Whistler, AL. It was built by Jimmy's grandfather, George Williamson Parker, a master carpenter for The Mobile & Ohio Railroad. His journey continued when his parents moved to Prichard. His paternal grandparents, Charlie and Edna Burch Jernigan lived near them. Jimmy spent many hours "driving the horse drawn car" for his grandpa. He also went to the old Rex and Prichard shows every weekend. It was here Jimmy's love for horses began. He attended Glendale Elementary School and later Vigor High School, Class of 1957, where he played football. After high school Jimmy bought a horse, named Rebel. Many happy hours were spent riding with his future wife, Elizabeth and her horse, Dixie. He married Elizabeth Autry on July 1, 1961 and was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1962 and spent the next 2 years in Arkansas and Colorado. He worked with communications under secret clearance. He and Elizabeth lived just outside Colorado Springs, in Manitou Springs. After 12 years of marriage the joy of their life was born, a son, Jay Jernigan, Jr. Jimmy worked in the heavy construction industry for many years, taking him to the Columbia, AL Lock and Dam, chemical plants in Florida, paper mills in Alabama and Florida, Barry Steam Plant, Springhill Mall, campus of S. Alabama, Prichard Stadium and runway at Brookley Field. He spent 30 years working for Cooper Stevedoring and Ryan Walsh Stevedoring as a crane operator. All through the years he maintained a love for horses, John Wayne, Univ. of Alabama football "Roll Tide", and car engines, which he could rebuild from the bottom up. He confessed Christ at a young age under the leadership of Pastor Joe Hagler, First Baptist Church Prichard. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church North Mobile where he served as usher. Another great defining moment in his life was the birth of his grandson, Caleb Autry Jernigan, July 16, 2004. Jimmy faithfully loved God, his country, family and many relatives as well as friends, especially his church family. He leaves a legacy of quiet dignity, sincerity and caring especially for the love of his life, his grandson, Caleb Autry Jernigan. Jimmy is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 52 years, Elizabeth Autry Jernigan; a loving son, Jay and his wife Natalie who was loved by Jimmy like a daughter; the light of his life , his only grandchild Caleb Autry Jernigan. "You are my sunshine." He is also survived by his sister, Diane Hoven; brother-in-law, E.Q. Autry; sister-in-law, Mabel Davis Autry; sister-in-law, Nancy (Billy, dec.) Jernigan; nieces and nephews, Pam (Chuck) Lackey, David Autry, Sandy Tara Jernigan, Brian Jernigan, Dawn (Steve) Rowell, Keeli (Bo) Martin, Conny (Amy) Hoven, Rhonda (Edward) Landrum and Lisa (Wayne) Jordan. Funeral services will be Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at 11 a.m. from the chapel of Radney Funeral Home in Saraland with Dr. Ed Litton, Chaplain Ronnie Pierce and Rev. David Richardson officiating. Visitation will be Monday from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be E.Q. (Gene) Autry, Roy Skinner, Mike Reaves, Dick Parten, Richard Johnson, Ken Smitherman, Nick Swartz, Dutch Nielson, Sandy Jernigan, Brian Jernigan, Conny Hoven, Buckey Kerner and Brian Srickland. In lieu of flowers the family request that memorials be made to First Baptist Church North Mobile. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-saraland.com.