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James Accardi Obituary

James (Jim) Roy Accardi of Huntsville, a retired prosecutor, author, coach, athlete, and musician, passed away at the age of 75 on January 24, 2025.

Jim was a 1967 graduate of Huntsville High School and a 1971 graduate of the University of North Alabama. He earned a J.D. from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1974 and was employed with the Madison County District Attorney's office that year. He served with five district attorneys during his career and retired in January 2005. He continued to be a consultant with the office after retirement. He reached a milestone of 50 years of service to the Alabama State Bar this year.

He was a long-time assistant coach at Randolph School, dedicating time and energy to coaching throwers, called "Throw Tribe," in the discus throw, shot put and javelin throw. He also trained for and competed in masters field events, most recently last summer at the Alabama State Games. In his free time, Jim also enjoyed playing and recording music, and was a talented guitarist.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Marian Hollon Accardi, to whom he was a loving and supportive husband; son Burns and daughter-in-law Allison, and his daughter Hollon and fiancé Ryan Norris, all to whom he was a hero and inspiration; his sister Joan Lankford (Reginald) of Olympia, Washington; brothers-in-law Bob Hollon (Lynda) of Mobile and Tom Hollon (Sandy) of Wetumpka; and five nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jeanne and Roy Accardi, and sister Denise Accardi.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. on Friday, January 31, at First Baptist Church Sanctuary. A memorial service will follow at 12 p.m. with Pastor Travis Collins officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be given to FBC's Beyond Capital Campaign, 600 Governors Drive, Huntsville AL 35801 or to a charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by AL.com (Huntsville) from Jan. 27 to Jan. 29, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries

Lore Hislop

February 5, 2025

We are so sorry to hear this! Jim you were such a kind man and we will miss you. Marian, Hollon and Burns, we are praying for your family during this difficult time.

Anahita Maleknia

February 1, 2025

How lucky am I to have been coached by the best person I know-one of my biggest cheerleaders and a true inspiration in my life. I pray that I can be even half the person Coach was-someone who always saw the good in people, never missed a chance to make others laugh, and was intentional in every relationship, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he met. His service to the community was unmatched, and I´ll honor his legacy every day. I gave him my legacy coin for a reason- Words cannot describe how much I will miss him. His presence was something special-something that can never be replaced. Love you coach

Tom Derington

January 28, 2025

Jim was so much fun to be around; kind, intelligent, and so funny. I had just started rereading the text book he wrote, The Abridged Significant Historie of the Western Worlde (with C. M. Burdine). He made this world a better place in many ways.

Dave Dooling

January 28, 2025

Marian,

Deeply saddened to read of your loss. Other than to say I understand by having lost, words fail me.

Dave Dooling
High Rolls, NM

Gary Conchin

January 28, 2025

One fine person.Quiet and humble about his own accomplishments.Played ball with him several years.Was glad he was on my team when the free for all broke out.So talented in so many ways.Not many like Jim,who just did his job well without fanfare.

Jerry Barclay

January 27, 2025

I worked with Jim in the DAs office from 1980 to 1984 and will always treasure his friendship. He was a fine mentor, a dear friend and one of the funniest people I have ever known. I will miss him. Love to Marian and Burns and the family.

Jerry Barclay

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Memorial Events
for James Accardi

Jan

31

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

First Baptist Church Sanctuary

AL

Jan

31

Memorial service

12:00 p.m.

First Baptist Church Sanctuary

AL

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