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James Hood Obituary
Officials at Adams-Buggs Funeral Home in Gadsden said they are handling arrangements for Hood, who died Thursday. Details concerning Hood's funeral are not complete.
Hood's admission to the University of Alabama in 1963 was made famous by then Alabama Gov. George Wallace's "stand in the schoolhouse door" to keep Hood and Vivian Malone from registering for classes at the University of Alabama.
Hood and Malone were accompanied by Deputy U.S. Attorney General Nicholas Katzenbach when they were confronted by Wallace as they attempted to enter the university's Foster Auditorium to register for classes and pay fees.
Wallace backed down later that day and Hood and Malone registered for classes.
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
167 Entries
Everline Fisher
January 28, 2019
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
July 1, 2013
I'm so sorry for the loss of your loved one,please accept my condolences during this difficult time. Psalms 65:2
How you can show support
March 29, 2013
I'm sorry to read about your loss. May you draw close to God and find comfort in reading his Word.
C. Parsons
March 8, 2013
I'll be talking about the amazing life of Dr. Hood and the legacy he left behind on Thursday March 14 during a 2:30-3:45pm panel at 205 Gorgas Library on UA's campus. Would love to meet some of his family if you are able to attend. He was special and I have enjoyed getting to know him through my research. Much Love and Many Blessings, Caroline Parsons
March 1, 2013
To the Hood family,
So sorry for your loss. Please be encouraged by Is. 25:8 where God promises to swallow up death forever and we know this is will be a reality becasue Titus 1:2 states that he is a God who cannot lie. My condolences to you all during this difficult time.
Francine
Alyssa
February 28, 2013
I'm sorry for your loss.I know God will help you through all these difficult times.Psalms 46.1
Mary L. Castleberry
January 31, 2013
Brenda and entire Hood family just a note to convey my condolences to each of you during your trying times of sorrow. Rest assured God don't put more on you than you can bare. Keep your hands in His and He will see you through. May He continue to comfort and keep you is my continued prayer.
January 31, 2013
So proud of Dr. Hood and the legacy he left behind. Warm regards from a UA instructor
Steele
January 30, 2013
Î remember the occasion very well when Mr Hood stood on those steps. I thought how brave as a young person. I don't know if I could have been that brave. our creator gives us what we need in order to make things happen. May Mr. Hood rest in peace until the King says its time to "Wake Up"
DWEETTA ADAMS
January 29, 2013
I CRIED ALL DAY , I am old enough to remember the exact day he and Mrs. Malone enter unerversity Alabama . I DID NOT READ IT , I live it . I WAS A TEN YEAR OLD BLACK GIRL IN PRINCETON WV. , I wATCH it on black and white TV with my mothers and grand father .
Craig Scott
January 26, 2013
A hero's hero. Thank you Dr. Hood from all your friends at the Gadsden Public Library.
CHARLES BRIDGES
January 26, 2013
MAY GOD BLESS THE HOOD FAMILY,JIMMY WILL BE MISSED.JIMMY WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON...CLASSMATE.CLASS OF 61
Regena-Woody Cook
January 25, 2013
Mr. Hood, A verybrave & strong man to enter the University of Alabama in the 60's notning but BRAVE. May you have a peaceful rest.Hope you can visit with Vivian.You made your family proud,what a LEGACY. Regena-Woody Cook & Family.
January 25, 2013
Heartfelt condolences from Operation Fresh Start, where Jim served as a faithful and trustworthy board member for more than two decadess. We remember--and are grateful for--his selfless steadfastness and courage and his loyal service to disconnected young people.
January 25, 2013
I will always remember Jimmy as very kind and a great role model. God Bless your family. Ola Henderson Jackson Birmingham, Al.
Andrew Cheek
January 25, 2013
Thank You, Mr. James Hood! There were those who would say, as a black youth of The South during the era of segregation, "you have a better chance, walking on the moon, than being educated alongside your white counterpart." Yet, like a few others of the day, he preserved. Only a teenager at the time, Mr. Hood, carried the hope of a generation and future generations, as he symbolically and literally, climbed the steps of The University of Alabama. His effort to purse a better life through education may have begun as "his story." Nonetheless, triumph through overcoming and the passage of time, has made it "history". His personal dream to have an equitable education, woke-up a Nation from the nightmare of segregation. Fortitude, in the face of mob ignorance, evolved from the individual struggle of a youth, to the collective aspirations of minorities throughout America and her posterity. Mr. James Hood, took "One small step by man. One giant leap for Mankind." And in taking that step, he let minorities everywhere realize that they can "Shoot For The Moon", because the journey of a righteous youth may place them amongst the stars! Again,Thank You Mr. James Hood!!!
Thomas Wyatt
January 25, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with the Hood family in this time of sorrow. One of the first things I did when I arrived at University of Alabama as a student in 1975 was to visit Foster Auditorium where Dr. Hood made his courageous stand many years earlier.
January 24, 2013
Ramona,
Our thoughts and prayers are many during this time of sorrow for you and you family.
Shirley Stover Estell & Family, Alpharetta, Georgia
January 24, 2013
My condolences to the grieving family and loved ones during this very difficult time. May the God of all comfort help you to cope with your loss.
Ralph Dudley
January 24, 2013
My condolences to Jimmy's Family especially to Brenda as we went to school together.
Jimmy taught me to swim at the pool in 6th Street Projects. He was also an inspiration to me during the trying times we spent at Gadsden High
during those tough times.
Shirley Moore Davis
January 24, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Willie whiteside
January 24, 2013
Love 2, have met u, & keep u & ur family n my prayers, god bless, ur family..
Dave Jackson
January 24, 2013
Warrior Stand
I am so glad to have known James Hood. The stand was powerful at the time because of the untimely deaths of many leaders. James you will always be in my prayers. Gadsden Alabama. May God have mercy and welcome you in His kingdom. From a Carver High School classmate.
January 24, 2013
my prayers are with the family.Jimmy will never be forgotten.(Mary Henderson Underwood)
Carl Preston
January 24, 2013
You will bemember
Lillian Marie Tuck-Butterfield and the RIchardson Family With Sincere Sympathy
January 24, 2013
To The Hood Family,
We regret the lost of such a special person that contribute to the rights of the common people. It was indeed a pleasure to have been a classmate and friend of Jimmy. He will certainly be miss by all that knew and loved him. Please know that we are praying for you and ask the peace that excels all understanding be with you in the days that follow.
Jeanette Terry
January 23, 2013
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Iverlyn Earl-Price
January 23, 2013
May God's blessings be with the Hood Family; now and always. Carver High '61
Gloria Stamps
January 23, 2013
Will always miss and love you
michelle wilson
January 23, 2013
Sorry on the loss of your beloved brother.
Sandy Middleton
January 23, 2013
So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I worked with Jim for years at Madison Area Technical College and will always have fond memories of his wonderful humor. Take care all.
January 23, 2013
to jimmie family be strong in faith.
jimmie thomas
new jersey / dallas texas / shreveport la / atlanta ga. / philadelphia pa. / jackson ms.
Patrick & Chiquita Steward
January 23, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
January 23, 2013
I had the great pleasure meeting James back in the 90's when he came to complete his Doctor's degree. He participated in a number of New College activities and we shared an office in Carmichael for almost 2 years while he completed his academic work. We taught a class together and I got to know James and learned much about him and from him. My son Bobby and I were honored to call James friend. I know that completing the degree was a great achievement and a source of great satisfaction and accomplishment for him and the final chapter in his courageous life that began in the Door of Foster and ended on the Colosseum stage being hooded for his Doctoral Degree. I am deeply saddened that James died so young though I had heard he had medical problems in recent years. My son and I cherish those few years we were able to enjoy our friendship together. As we say in the Jewish tradition "May his memory be a blessing for his family and all who loved him" Jerry Rosenberg, PhD and Bobby Rosenberg or as James used to say---Dr. J and Mr. Bobby
Theron Fuller
January 23, 2013
On the first day James ate lunch in the Paty Hall Dining Hall at the University of Alabama, I joined him at his table where he was sitting alone. I was scared so much I couldn't eat my lunch. I can imagine how James felt. We became friends while he was at 'Bama. I greatly admire his courage. He was at that time, and is now, an important part of my life. I am sorry that he is gone.
Cecil & Phyllis Ragland
January 23, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Phoebe Heidelberg
January 23, 2013
May the peace of God continue to flow through the family of this great man.
Yolanda Ragland
January 22, 2013
To the Hood family,Just know that God knows best,and Sonny will be missed and rembered by all.May He rest in peace.You all are in our prayers.We love you all.
Everline Earl Fisher.Class of 1961
January 22, 2013
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
s. brown
January 22, 2013
Hood did a very brave act applying to the university. Can only imagine what he must have went thru to face such opposition. It really does inspire me to appreciate the education I have access to today compared to those that didn't. I'm so sorry for ur lost. God hold his loved ones close to his heart and gives us power beyond what is normal. I pray God comfort Hood s family @ this difficult time.
January 22, 2013
TO MR. HOOD'S FAMILY,MAY YOU ENJOY GOD'S POWER IN THIS TIME OF YOUR LIFE."THE BIBLE SAY'S THAT THE WORD OF GOD IS ALIVE AND EXERTS POWER."heb.4:12} LET HIM BE OF COMFORT TO YOU.SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS....NC
Jackie Brown
January 22, 2013
May God bless your family during this time he will be missed
Cleophus Boyd
January 22, 2013
My sincere condolences to the Hood family. I had the great pleasure of knowing and working with Jim during my early years as Social Worker in Detroit and later when he served as Deputy Chief for the Detroit Police Dept. He was always a gentleman, with the emphasis on "gentle". He will be sorely missed.
Chief (ret) Randall Sellnow
January 22, 2013
My deepest sympathy to Jims family. I chaired the Fire Science Advisory Board at Madison Area Technical College when Jim was our Associate Dean. He was a true American hero who showed a courage and strength that few of us will ever be tested to do. It was an honor and a privilege to work with him.
Everline Earl Fisher
January 22, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
W Liggins
January 21, 2013
Wishing you Peace in God's Promise
"And if I go and prepare a place for you,I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am"
John 14:3
B Lucas
January 21, 2013
My sincere condolence for the loss of James your dear loved one. May your fond memories of him bring much comfort. Peace and love to your family and friends, and to the spirit you show. [email protected]
Pat Fointno
January 20, 2013
We keep getting glimpses of history. Mr. Hood was walking in history and stands as a legacy of a people who struggled. It is important that we continue to see those issues that call us to action. Bless Mr. Hood and bless his family as they grieve.
Tom Tenbrunsel
January 20, 2013
May you rest in the Peace of the Lord, my friend. Jim and I became friends in Detroit and at Michigan State and later reunited in Foster Auditorium at one of my daughters UA vollyball games there. Jim shared his many stories about his life adventures and plans. I am proud and honored to have had him as a friend in this world. My prayers and sympathies go to Jim and his family.
Yvette Davis
January 20, 2013
I didn't know Mr Hood at all. But what I have read about him, I'm gratefull and very appreciative of the courage he shown to stand up for justice. It's because of men like this I'm able to attend school. I pray that peace and comfort be with his family.
Mike L
January 20, 2013
Thank you for your bravery. You helped members of all races.
January 20, 2013
What a legacy! Thank you Hood family for sharing James with all of us. His standing up for justice allowed black and whites to live together. We love Alabama and thank you Mr. James Hood for your unflinching courage to stand for equality.
LINDA MALONE
January 20, 2013
My heart,prayers and sympathy to the family. Jimmy was our Drum Major. First in the Carver Marching Band and later our Drum Major for Justice as we fought the battle for equality. RIP Jimmy, we will never forget you.
Marie M
January 20, 2013
May the God of comfort strengthens you during this difficult time.
Ivy
January 20, 2013
God Bless You, Sweet Soul.
Patricia Leonard
January 20, 2013
To the family of James Hood I offer my deepest sympathy. He was a great man who stood up for what he believed.
January 20, 2013
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your dear loved one. We will keep the family in our thoughts and heartfelt prayers. May the God who gives peace be with all of you.
Evelyn H.
January 20, 2013
May God continue to comfort all who loved James Hood. We can all look forward to the time when death will be no more and instead of tears of sorrow there will be tears of happiness. I know he will be missed by many. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy.
January 20, 2013
MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOUR FAMILY,I WILL NEVER FORGET THE DAY THIS HAPPEN, I WAS SO PROUD OF YOU ,RIP MR. HOOD
Naomi Milligan
January 20, 2013
TO jAMES Hood family my deepest sympathy .His stand inspired me at 15year old to ride a bus far a march with freedom riders we still have work to be done ,all the rider was older than me an my sister it was important so my mom let us go with them.
January 20, 2013
I grew up in Gadsden ,I remember mr Hood he was one of my heros ,I remember when he went to Carver High,May God bless his family.Ronald "Dickey" Hoyt 67"
Nancy M
January 20, 2013
RIP Mr Hood. I am forever grateful for your courage and humbled by your bravery.
January 20, 2013
James made history and left a wonderful legacy. Romans 15:33.
January 20, 2013
May you find comfort in the Hearer of prayer at this time. Psalm 65:2
January 20, 2013
cori im sorry for lost. you and your family nare in my prays
BETTY J BELL
January 19, 2013
GOD BLESS THE HOOD FAMILY, JAMES WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN FOR HIS COURAGE, HE WAS A STRONG PERSON, WE NEED MORE YOUNG MEN TO FOLLOW IN HIS FOOTSTEPS.
BRENDA HARRELL
January 19, 2013
MAY THE CIRCLE OF FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND
ADMIRERS HAVE COMFORT IN ROMANS 8:28-37
AND I CORINITHIANS 13. JAMES HOOD LEFT
A MILESTONE IN AMERICAS' HISTORY: THAT
YOU CAN STAND FOR YOUR BELIEF; AMERICA
IS AN EQUAL CHANCE OF DREAMS ACHEIVED FOR ALL; AND CHANGE CAN COME FOR
ALL AMERICANS!
SINCERE PRAYERS, SYMPATHY, AND EMPATHY,
BRENDA HARRELL
Ed
January 19, 2013
My condolences to Mr. Hood's family and friends. When James is awakened, people of all nations will be living in true peace. May God's word give solace at this sorrowful time. Acts 10:34, 35; 24:15
BRENDA HARRELL
January 19, 2013
MAY THE CIRCLE OF FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND
ADMIRERS HAVE COMFORT IN ROMANS 8:28-37
AND I CORINITHIANS 13. JAMES HOOD LEFT
A MILESTONE IN AMERICAS' HISTORY: THAT
YOU CAN STAND FOR YOUR BELIEF; AMERICA
IS AN EQUAL CHANCE OF DREAMS ACHEIVED FOR ALL; AND CHANGE CAN COME FOR
ALL AMERICANS!
BRENDA HARRELL
January 19, 2013
MAY THE CIRCLE OF FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND
ADMIRERS HAVE COMFORT IN ROMANS 8:28-37
AND I CORINITHIANS 13. JAMES HOOD LEFT
A MILESTONE IN AMERICAS' HISTORY: THAT
YOU CAN STAND FOR YOUR BELIEF; AMERICA
IS THE LAND OF THE FREE AND BRAVE FOR
ALL AMERICANS, AND I AM PROUD TO BE AN
AMERICAN!!!!.
BRENDA HARRELL
January 19, 2013
MAY THE CIRCLE OF FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND
ADMIRERS HAVE COMFORT IN ROMANS 8:28-37
AND I CORINITHIANS 13. JAMES HOOD LEFT
A MILESTONE IN AMERICAS' HISTORY THAT
YOU CAN STAND FOR YOUR BELIEF; AMERICA
IS THE LAND OF THE FREE AND BRAVE FOR
ALL AMERICANS.
January 19, 2013
I WAS 13 WHEN YOU AND Malone took your stand,I'll always remember that day.. Sherron Pitts
Virginia Malone
January 19, 2013
Mr. Hood many thanks for all you have done. RIP sir.
Tamara M Tolliver
January 19, 2013
Thank you Mr. Hood for paving the way for African Americans. GOD Bless you and may you Rest in Peace. To the Hood family my deepesty sympathy.
Lisa Glover
January 19, 2013
Thank you so much for the sacrifices, and the courage. A true leader to our youth today. Prayers and condolences to the family. God bless you.
Freddie Clark- Rhett
January 19, 2013
Mr. Hood, the courage you shown that day truly came from our Omnipotent God. Thank~you
Scott Chamberland
January 19, 2013
Rest in Peace
Craig Bergquist
January 19, 2013
Thanks Mr. Hood for standing up for America! We're all better off for your bravery. May you rest in peace and know that you have inspired others.
Charles Smith
January 19, 2013
I remember Mr. Hood's triumphant stand, and feel like so many, that we owe him and his family a debt that can only be paid with the continued fight for the right of freedon for all.
May God give peace and consolation to the Hood Family.
May he rest in PEACE.
douglas williams
January 19, 2013
You took I huge risk sir. Being under a constant microscope when most kids were wondering about who liked them or not. It seems back then as the Bible says the next generation grows smarter but weaker. Today's kids couldn't handle it. May you find peace with G-D sir.- Shalom,doug
Lisa Aaron
January 19, 2013
Myself and so many others are forever grateful for your courage and sacrifice, RIP Mr.Hood. May God continue to bless and comfort the family during this time of sorrow.
January 19, 2013
Prayers to your family, friends, and community. I grew up in the 60's and could see James Hood's bravery, courage, and faith. Thank you. Kathy H
Bobby Gordon ll
January 19, 2013
May God cont. to bless the hood family, and may John go to a Place where nobody would stand in his way nor put him out . Thank GOD for this black man, and may peace be with the family.
January 19, 2013
"For a certainty I perceive that God is not partial, but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him."
Acts 10:34
J Charlton
January 19, 2013
My heart goes out to the hood family.sorry for your loss.in your times of distress throw your burdens on god and he will help you.(psalms 55:22).
Willie Ray
January 19, 2013
May the blessings of God be with the HOOD FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF SORROW. Mr. James Hood is a Hero for his Race and the World, For what he accomplished for black History.
DEE BROOKER
January 19, 2013
THE HOOD FAMILY AND MR JAMES HOOD IN SPIRIT. THANK YOU SIR FOR BEING A TRAIL BLAZER AND HERO FOR EVERYONE.GOD CAN AND WILL SAY TO YOU GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT .FOR YOUR WORK HAS BEEN APPRECIATED BY ALL WELL DONE ,WELL DONE.GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AT ALL TIMES.
Winona Jacobs
January 19, 2013
Thank God for Mr. James Hood and his courage; and, thank you (his family) for supporting [and sharing] him as he put everything on the line to make a difference. May God bless your family as you go forward.
Elliott Patillo
January 19, 2013
With God's love may the Lord Jesus Christ comfort the Hood family in their time of loss. Elliott Patillo & family.
Jeanette Purvis
January 19, 2013
Rest in Peace.
Bobby Gray
January 19, 2013
Deepest condolences to the family on Jimmy's passing.God will abide as he has ascended to his Heavenly rest.
Mary L Castleberry
January 19, 2013
Dr. Hood, thanks to you for history. Your legancy has made a difference for all people of color to have an equal and quality education. If it was not for your stance in what you believed in it would not have happened. May God continue to bless and keep your family during their hours of sorrow is my continued prayer.
Charles Kimble
January 19, 2013
To The Hood Family,I'm so sadden to hear of your loss.May God Bless and Comfort you during this difficult time.Jimmy was my friend and my mentor and I Thank God for sharing him with us and sowing seeds into my life.[R.I.P MY BROTHER] Rev. Charles Kimble
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