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James Pearson Obituary
He is survived by his loving wife of thirty years, Michelle Pariseau Pearson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edie and Cecil Pearson; and by his brother, John Pearson.
Tim graduated from Tuscaloosa High School in 1961 where he played basketball under the late Coach Tom Tarleton and was one of the stars, along with Harry Hammonds, of Coach Tarleton's undefeated state championship team during the 1960-61 season. He attended Auburn University on a basketball scholarship where he played for the legendary silver haired coach, Joel Eaves, on the over achieving team affectionately known as "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves." Following graduation from Auburn in 1965, Timothy pursued a variety of vocations that included teaching and coaching basketball in Hawaii and at the University of Melbourne in Australia. In 1973, Timothy dedicated his life to God and, for the remainder of his life, preached the gospel. His ministry included several missions to Africa, outreach to prison inmates in Alabama and Texas, and a newsletter that he published with the assistance of his wife, Michelle. Timothy was known for his kindness and generosity to his friends and to everyone else he met.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Timothy's memory to the Tuscaloosa Disaster Relief Fund, Red Cross, Salvation Army or other charitable organizations for aid to persons affected by the April 27th tornados.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Pearson
Dan Morgan
December 18, 2011
It has taken a long time to write this because Tim was such a unique person and such an important part of my life. We became best friends at a time in life when friendships are intense and forever. I met Tim the first day of school at Tuscaloosa Junior High in 1955, the seventh grade. We were pretty much inseparable from then until we graduated from Tuscaloosa High six years later in 1961. We had more fun and laughs in each of those years than most people have in a lifetime. We shared primary interests in basketball, girls and goofing off. Tim was better at the first two. He had a basketball scholarship to Auburn and a seemingly unlimited number of wannabe girlfriends. As an athlete he was always a 100% player – I saw how he energized the Auburn team in a game against Kentucky in New Orleans. I also saw how popular he was when I visited him at Auburn. The summer after our sophomore year in college we taught swimming to 3–5 year olds from his mother's school. Tim was a Red Cross certified instructor / lifeguard. A couple of kids learned to swim and no one drowned. With the money from the swimming lessons we took a once in a lifetime trip to California with Henry by way of Las Vegas. Tim did 99% of the talking on the CB as we drove non-stop back to Tuscaloosa from San Diego.
Tim and I and our friends talked a lot about a lot of different things, but we didn't talk much about serious stuff, about God. Tim was always the one most likely to bring up something about Jesus, about what it meant to be a Christian. I know that issues of faith were on his mind even during high school and much more so as years passed. He made a total commitment to preaching the Gospel around the time of his thirtieth birthday. About that time we were both living in Colorado. He called one day to say that he needed a ride back to his house in the mountains. I asked what happened to his car. Tim said he sold it to cover living expenses, but he wasn't worried because he knew he was doing the right thing in making the commitment to preaching and that the Lord would help if he needed transportation. I don't think that he ever waivered from that commitment no matter how many difficulties he faced.
With his movie star looks, high energy and his charismatic personality he could have succeeded in any number of endeavors. He chose to be a professing Christian, a very difficult path for anyone. Even in a Christian country a professing Christian is usually out of sync with most people. I know that I did not always understand his ministry and we had some intense conversations about what it meant to be a Christian, but I also know that he was truly committed to preaching to any and all; to rich and poor, to black and white, to the leading citizens and to convicted felons serving time in prison. I know that he felt called to preach and he had even more intensity in his preaching than he had on the basketball court. He could maintain this intensity in his ministry because his loving wife Michelle shared his faith and provided the emotional and spiritual support that Tim needed.
A week or so before he died he we had a wonderful phone conversation; just like back in school when we saw each other every day. Tim seemed so happy and at peace. We talked about getting together in Tuscaloosa this fall and sharing some good times with old friends. I did visit Tuscaloosa during the beautiful autumn days of early November. Harry and Dick and everyone else talked about how Tim was such a Christian and how his life was so remarkable and way too short.
Tim, you know that the high school building has been torn down, but the old junior high is still standing. When I walked by there I had a clear image in my mind of the five foot tall bundle of energy that you were that first day of the seventh grade. I wish you could have been there with me. I will always treasure the memories of our times together. God bless you.
Paige McCallister
August 25, 2011
Dear Uncle Tim...I'm laughing as I think of your mom and my grandmother, Edra, and then your brother, John (JP), my dearest Daddy as they prepare for you to ascend to Heaven! WHAT A PARTY!! I'm as confident that they are there singing away as we've always known you would be there! Life's to short for regrets, so save me a seat at the party and we'll talk it all out later! Kiss them for me!
Aunt Michelle - PLEASE get in touch with me as soon as you can. [email protected]
Fred & Lara Jurik
July 25, 2011
Over the years I have had many dinners and conversations with ol’ Uncle T and I can tell you for sure that he loved the Lord. Sometimes he would tell me stories when he was a boy or about his basketball career in Australia. Timothy had an adventurous personality and was never afraid to give another guy a hug.
My wife Lara has often shared with me her fond memories of Michelle and Timothy taking her on a trip to California one summer and their drive through Las Vegas. I can only imagine the excitement of a fifteen year old driving through the desert and mountains on such a long journey. Timothy filled the void as a father figure for my wife not having a father around during her teenage years. One day that I will never forget is the day Timothy gave me a priceless gift when he stood next to my wife at the alter giving me her hand in marriage. For this, we will never forget you Timothy Pearson.
Lisa
July 25, 2011
I knew him simply as Mr. Pearson for 5 years as he came to my workplace. He became the textbook definition of my regular customers, and he grew to be a treasured friend, who now will be greatly missed! I know he is now in the place he always spoke of, and is loving every moment of His presence.
Aimee Beske
June 25, 2011
I will never forget the time I spent with Timothy and his family. Although it was short, it made a huge impact on me. I will never forget his kindness and energy toward life, as well as his passion for God. I'm sure he is dancing on the streets of gold!
June 18, 2011
Timothy Pearson preached without excuse or apology. This man threw so many seeds on stony, thorned, and hard ground that if any of us truly looked we could still find some today waiting to be planted.
I can't say he saved me but he was working the fields when I got saved. He and Michelle were at so many events in my life, I I have them in family photos. I will miss my LOUD friend. The one who prayed in McDonalds like it was a Sunday morning prayer meeting. The one who called with a smile and tears. He taught me a lot in the 20 yrs I knew him. Since the bible clearly states we are rewarded for our service, I hope Timothy and Michelle invite me over to their house. I would imagine it being large with several crowns on display.
For those of you who didn't meet or know Mrs. Pearson, I can shed some light. She is the port Timothy launched from. Every night praying for a man who went here and there praying for us. I believe her to be stronger than him for the fact that Timothy got the Lords OK before moving where Michelle got on her knees simply trying to accept it. How much harder is it to support such a heavy stone in the Lords house. I thank you for lending him to the road trips where countless others were touched. Thank you for praying when he was sleeping in a car because his faith had taken him where the gas had yet to catch up. Thank you for paying the bills when some here including myself were enjoying the benefit of having a man of God at a wedding or a time of need. Thank you Michelle.
1 Corinthians 15:50-56, New International Version (NIV)
50 I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”[a]
Josh, TX
June 17, 2011
I have known Timothy for almost 25 years. Through those years Timothy and I have spent hours talking about family, human nature, travel, humorous situations, basketball… you-name-it. But without a doubt, most of our conversations were centered around God and His Word.
As I think back on Timothy’s life, I am certain, that I have witnessed God’s loving kindness and tender mercies continuously being poured out on Timothy’s very existence. Today Timothy has joined that great cloud of witnesses in heaven spoken of in Hebrews 12:1. He, along with all the others, is looking down and encouraging us to lay aside every weight and every sin that would hinder us from running this spiritual race with strength and endurance.
Death where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory? Thanks be to God who gives us the Victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! (1 Cor. 15: 55, 57)
Tony Lewis, Timothy's Brother-In-Law
June 11, 2011
One paragraph couldn’t even begin to explain or do justice for what this man lived and stood for.
Timothy was in a nutshell a spiritual mentor and revolutionary thinker that pushed me in a greater walk with Yahweh.
The last 10 + years with him either in person, or via his letters started a journey that will carry me till I cross over to see him.
I never was good with words but this says it all…
A brief candle; both ends burning
An endless mile; a bus wheel turning
A friend to share the lonesome time
A handshake and a sip of wine
So say it loud and let it ring
We are all a part of everything
The future, present and the past
Fly on proud bird
You're free at last
Every time I play this, I'm reminded of Tim...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owL_39B_1rk
~ Mik Anderson
Darryl Hardin
June 8, 2011
Mrs Pearson,
I have read every note of condolence posted on this site, after having posted one of the first. My recollection of your husband was from half a century ago when I was 13 years old and Tim was a star basketball player for Tuscaloosa High School. I am sorry I did not know him as many of those knew him who have signed this Guest Book. He must have been the kind of Christian I would like to be. I will never attain that, but his legacy, as attested to by his many friends, will be an inspiration for me. I just read Harry's post and I am convinced that I missed out on knowing a truly great man.
June 8, 2011
Timothy was a multifaceted person. We had many precious prayer times as well as good times just talking and laughing. One time Tim left me a phone message singing "Get in that kitchen and rattle those pots and pans! Some of the best times was when Georgie (3year old granddaughter) would watch Tim tap dance for her. She would giggle and then start to laugh and then we'd all laugh as Tim continued to tap his way into all our hearts!
We will miss him greatly!
Suzanne Lewis
June 7, 2011
Rest in Peace
Harry Hammonds
June 7, 2011
June 6, 2011 - 4:00 PM
I took about 1000 showers with Tim during our high school time.We
played on the same high school team. We were 34 - 0 State Champs and
the # 1 team in the nation. That's pretty good for 10 boys from
Tuscaloosa High. Tim went to that 'Cow college'', I don't know it's
name.
Tim, Dick, Danny and myself ran together back then. It was our own
''Happy Days.''
We had the run of the school and the Best Looking Ladies. We also had
the best class. ever to come out of Tuscaloosa High. ....The Class of
'61....but that was years ago.
Tim and I talked 3 or 4 times a week. I'm going to miss those calls. I
didn't understand what he was talking about...but I listened, but at
the end of each phone call we told each other that we loved each
other, and I will love him till I die. 50 years of friendship is hard
to beat. I will say it again...I love you, Tim.
Harry
June 5, 2011
Dear Michell,
You have my deepest sympathy in the loss of your husband and friend ,Tim. As you know, Tim has been in contact with me on a regular basis since the passing of my mom in June of last year.The time that we spent together on the phone was most pleasurable as we could share thoughts of our childhood and parents that others just didn't know of.He was a great encouragement to me and I will always treasure those discussions about the Lord and his soon return in power and great glory.I will always remember my friend and cousin Tim as a man that was totally dedicated and sold out to serving Christ with great boldness,no fear but a sweet humble spirit.Those qualities of character can be attributed to the power of the Holy Spirit living inside the sole of the man,Tim Pearson...In His Service,Kurt Porter
Melissa Fortenberry
June 2, 2011
Timothy brought so much joy to our office. When Michelle first started working here, he wrote me the sweetest thank you card. Inside he wrote different things he was thankful for and one was, "your ternderness and care and concern for my wife to help her adjust to her new job." I think this reflects the love he always showed to Michelle. He would bring her breakfast in the morning if she didn't have time to eat, bring her lunch, lug around her Avon boxes and pray for her and our office. I specifically remember walking in the back room when Michelle was having a hard day and he was just holding her and praying for her. What an amazing example of a loving person. He really did practice what he preached!
Michelle, what a blessing to be married to such a wonderful, caring man. My heart aches for your loss each day. Timothy will be missed by so many, but especially by you, his dear sweet loving wife.
I will cherish these memories and examples of leading a loving, Christ-centered marriage.
May 31, 2011
I remember all the fun we had together. I spent several summers with Uncle Timothy and Aunt Michelle when I was growing up. I never lacked for entertainment if Uncle T was around! Joking, singing, dancing and especially laughing were part of everyday life with him. Amid all of the merriment Uncle Timothy ALWAYS brought it back around to Jesus. As a parent now, I strive to continue that legacy of making life fun and keeping Jesus in the middle of everything I do every day. Just like Uncle T. ~ McKenzie Stokes, Niece
May 31, 2011
Two thoughts of Timothy are very vivid. He had such a big, happy-go-lucky personality that he carried everywhere he went, and he was able to comfortably talk about Jesus to anybody at anytime. He did, too. We see his cards and calendars everywhere we go!! ~ Brian Stokes, Nephew-in-Love
Mark Hathaway
May 29, 2011
I met Timothy as a young man when he came to preach in my fathers church. Being a PK I was well immersed in the bible but Timothy brought a fresh insight into the mind of God. His sermon on words is one of the most important lessons I have learned. They say you are what you eat but I've learned the power of words and believe you are what you say. Thank you Timothy for being a mouthpiece of Jesus and for showing me it's all about love. Someday I'll see you again and what a joyous day that will be! In Gods love,
Mark Landells
May 29, 2011
Dear Michelle and family,
My name is Mark Landells from Australia. My mother is Pat Landells and we have just received the phone message you left her advising of Tim's passing.
Unfortunately you did not leave your phone number for us to return your call. Pat no longer lives at home. On behalf of Pat and my brothers Scott and Tony I would like to express our deepest sympathies at the passing of Tim.
Tim played basketball for my father Alan in Australia and helped lead the St.Kilda Saints to their first ever Victorian Championship game in 1967, which they unfortunately lost. The Victorian Championship in those days was the equivalent to the National Championship and the team that beat them contained 7 Olympians.
At the time Tim was teaching at a high school in Melbourne and I swear he had the whole school at that championship game including the school band to cheer for the Saints. At the time that sort of promotion for a basketball game in Australia was totally unheard of.
I was only 9 years old at the time but I have wonderful memories of Tim's boundless enthusiasm, his total commitment to help the team and his fun loving, outgoing personality. He was always the life of the party and yet was always first on the training track the very next morning.
My father Alan passed away in 1998.
During the 40 odd years since Tim returned to the U.S., as a family we often fondly remembered the many happy times we shared with Tim and his larger than life personality.
At the time that Tim played basketball for my father in 1967, religion was certainly not on his agenda. On that same team was another American, Dave, who was deeply religious and worked on the Billy Graham crusades in the 1960's. Alan and Pat fondly remember in those days how Tim often wondered "what the problem was with Dave?" We later figured that playing basketball with "The Saints" was an omen for Tim's future life passion.
We loved receiving his newsletters hearing what he was up to and his phone calls to Pat especially after Alan's death were always greatly appreciated.
Tim's contribution to our family and to the Saints cannot be measured in points or rebounds. His love for life and willingness to help others was unquestioned and this obviously led him into his career sharing the word of the Lord.
Even though I was only 9 years old I cannot express just how wonderful his impact was on the Landells family.
He may be gone but as I hope I have expressed he will always be in our hearts.
Michelle, I hope you get to read this message as I would certainly like to make contact with you.
Charles Morgan
May 27, 2011
I can't remember when I met Tim Pearson becuase I can't remember a time when I did not know him. Tim was one of my older brother's closest friends when I was a very young child. Tim always had a wonderful peronality and didn't pick on us younger kids as some of my brother's other friends were prone to do. Tim dedicated most of his life to preaching the gospel, but he did not preach in a negative "fire and brimstone" manner, but was always upbeat and cheerful. He truly believed the Word was GOOD news. Tim did so much for so many people. We will miss him.
Rosemary Mize
May 26, 2011
As you know Michelle we have had the privilege
of talking with your Timothy almost every week the past few years.
We loved him and miss him and remain in shock at his passing to be with The Lord God.
We will neverforget
him and hope that you will stay in touch with us as you continue your life
here on earth without him.
Darrell and Rosemary
Christy McKibben
May 26, 2011
I do not think I have ever met a more single minded man. His zeal and passion for our Lord inspired me to have a deeper relationship with God. Timothy's desire to spread the Gospel and share the love of Jesus was a shining example in my life. His actions were motivated by the promptings of the Holy Spirit. What he did; he did with his whole being. I am thankful to have known him and I smile as I think about the scene in heaven when Timothy entered those gates. Wow! He was like a modern day John the Baptist and he is already greatly missed.
Lori Tobias
May 25, 2011
I thank God for the privilege of knowing Timothy as the true man of God that he is and my very dear friend.
His uncompromising love for Jesus the Word flowed through Timothy like no one I have ever known. His generosity, joy, laughter, and faith have forever touched my life and I know I am better for knowing him. Every time he would call me he would start with singing Jesus on the main line tell him what you want and then go into praying for me and my household. He would send me letters with scripture and verse and I would look up every one of them and know they were for me because I KNOW the Jesus in Timothy and I know they communed daily. What a honor and privilege just to know him. In all my years on earth I have never known anyone like Timothy. I will miss you my friend deeply. There are 2 songs that make me smile when I hear them because they remind me of him. Take it to the limit the Eagles and Thank you for giving to the Lord. I love you Timothy.
Richard Gary
May 23, 2011
I've had a difficult time over the loss of my friend, Tim Pearson. I just want to say I'm thankful that God allowed me the pleasure of knowing Timothy!!!
Tim was so generous and kind to me than I can express. He did so many things...gifts, phone calls, appearing at my door...and many other expressions of a loving friend, in some very tough times in my life....which showed his care and concern. How much his friendship helped...meant more to me than I can express. Thanks Timothy....rare is a friend as you!
We are and will be praying for you Michelle....Stay strong in Faith in Our God!
Sincerely,
Richard "Dick" Gary
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Cathy Alexander
May 19, 2011
I only knew Timothy for a short time, but he was an awesome, unforgettable man. His presence made me think of John the Baptist. His spiritual gift of love spread to all of those who knew him. I will miss him, and I pray for God's peace to be with Michelle.
May 18, 2011
Tim Pearson was the most intense man I have ever met, no matter what the subject he was on at the time. I first came to know Tim as we went to THS together and became fast friends as he and Danny Morgan were always cruising the Dog House for the girls in his 1957 Power Pack Chevrolet Two Door hardtop sports model... along with me and Donny Hinton in my 53 Mercury and then later my 61 Ford Falcon with the speaker under the hood...whisltin' at the girls don't you know...we attended every THS basketball game in 1961 when he and Danny, Harry Hammonds, Tim Parker, and Jeff Townsend could have beat the LA Lakers as we went to the State Championship and he got hurt in the finals and we "won it for Tim" that year...then he became intimately aquainted with Jesus and told everyone he met about Him with a passion, he would even have witnessed to a Buzz Saw if it stood still long enough.
I spoke with Tim Pearson nearly every month of his life the past 5years as he would call me to encourage me or enlist my assistance in one of his mission trips...the last time I heard from him was when he wanted to come to our 50th reunion, but sadly died that day on May 7th...I loved Tim Pearson and told him so each time we spoke, I will miss him.
Charlie Renfroe
Class of 1961
Atlanta, Ga.
Jim Caldwell
May 17, 2011
I am very sorry to read of Mr. Pearson's death. As a former student of Pearson's Academy I have many fond memories of him. He taught us all to "hustle", to give our best, and to stretch to grasp goals that appeared to be just beyond our reach. I feel that the encouragement that he gave back then is still carried with me today. I also remember very well riding on that old red London double decker bus. How cool was that? Thanks Mr. Pearson.
Joe Lake
May 16, 2011
Tim Pearson will always be remembered for his kind, free and giving spirit. A heavy duty, power-packed flaming, faith filled, diligent minister-servant for the Lord Jesus Christ. He was constantly living, breathing and praying the Word of God's power. His tremendous zeal for soul winning places him high on the rafters of Holiness. Tim, your life was well spent and I can't thank you enough.....as I know many others feel the same way. ''There is no greater love than to lay down your life for your friends.'' - I love ya, Tim....Cya on the rafters
Joe Lake
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Doug Hardin
May 13, 2011
I am sorry to read of the loss of Tim. I would like to echo the previous comments of my twin brother Darryl Hardin. I too, remember that great THS Championship team in 1961, which was the origin of my life-long love of the game. Although I am a Crimson Tide fan, I have come to be an Auburn fan at times, as my son is an Auburn graduate.
Darryl Hardin
May 13, 2011
Mrs. Pearson and family:
My thoughts and prayers will be with you at this time of loss. Although I did not know Mr. Pearson, I remember him well from that Tuscaloosa High School championship team. I was there for the State Tournament games, and I may be mistaken, but I seem to remember your husband was injured under the north goal at Foster Auditorium during the final game they won for the state championship. I was a 1966 graduate of THS, but saw virtually every home game that year. Many, many fond memories.
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