James Edward Florence

TUSCALOOSA James Edward Florence, age 65, of Tuscaloosa, passed away March 19, 2008, at Hospice of West Alabama with his family by his side after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. Services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, March 22, 2008, at Pleasant Hill Church of Christ in the Corner community in North Jefferson County with Jerrel Fikes and Graham McKay officiating. Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery with Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home South directing. The family will receive friends tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. The body will lie in state one hour prior to services at the church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Christine and Eugene Florence of Corner, Ala.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Florence; his son and daughter-in-law, James Douglas and Susan Florence; and grandsons, Nicholas (14), Davis (11), and Justin (8) Florence, of Austin, Texas.

A graduate of Samford University School of Pharmacy, he served in the U.S. Public Health Service before gaining his masters degree in special education from the University of Alabama. He taught at Lurleen Wallace Developmental Center in Decatur before returning to Tuscaloosa to work at Partlow State School as a Pharmacist.

He touched the lives of many through his service and thoughtful caring actions as a Pharmacist and friend in the Tuscaloosa area for over 25 years. He had a passion for flower gardening, sending notes and cards to friends and loved ones, and going to movies. He was actively involved for many years in the University Church of Christ, where he was a friend and champion of numerous college students in the Adopt-a-Student Program.

To his grandchildren he was papa; to him they were pure joy. His family loved him deeply.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of West Alabama in Tuscaloosa or the National Parkinson Foundation Alabama Chapter in his memory.