James William "Jim" Hulsizer

James William (Jim) Hulsizer, 80, of Florence, Alabama, formerly of Bryant, passed away early Sunday, Sept. 16. Jim was born June 29, 1938, in Barnsdell, Oklahoma, to James Wesley and Lula Leo Lentz Hulsizer.
Mr. Hulsizer served his country. He was a sta? sergeant in the 101st Signal Battalion of the Arkansas National Guard and was very involved in the Alabama Patriot Guard Riders.
Mr. Hulsizer served the Lord. He was a Missionary Baptist and a dedicated student of the Word. He served as a deacon, treasurer, missions treasurer, teacher, handyman and any other way he could bring glory to the Lord through his church. He was a great friend to all his pastors and had a passion for missions that was felt, quite literally, all over the world. He loved church camp and served faithfully the Yellow Creek Association Youth Camp in Hodges, Alabama.
Mr. Hulsizer served his family. He was the ultimate family man. He loved his wife and took her all over America as he worked to support her and his children. Together, they raised three children who continue to love and admire their father and mother. They welcomed son- and daughters-in-law to the family and loved them as their own. They were doting grandparents to their children's children as Pop and Mamaw. They fell instantly in love with each one of their four great-grandchildren. Jim was a wonderful example of a gentle, godly man of integrity to his children and to everyone he met.
Mr. Hulsizer served those for whom, and with whom, he worked. He was an exceptional welder and in his later years taught welding to a new generation. He worked 35 years and retired from Reynolds Metals serving in Arkansas, Oregon and Alabama. He retired from Reynolds on a Friday and walked into Merrill-Lynch the following Monday as a stock broker. He would work there until his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer and retired again to care for her. He was constantly doing "projects" for friends and neighbors, often joking that he could fix anything but a rainbow or a broken heart.
Mr. Hulsizer served his community. He found a home within the Mid-Lauderdale County Volunteer Fire Department and threw himself completely into the work. He was surrounded by young firefighters and tried to help them every way he could, even doing a surprisingly good job keeping up with them. He was awarded Fireman of the Year in 2016.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Lula Leo Lentz (Hulsizer); his father, James Wesley Hulsizer; his parents-in-law, Olen Jesse and Ivanette Arey; an infant brother; a half-sister, Jamie Hulsizer Morgan; a sister-in-law, Dianna Arey Denton; and an infant grandson, Andrew Thomas Hulsizer.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Anna Janice Arey Hulsizer; of Florence, Alabama; three children, Je?ery Randolph Hulsizer (Shelia), of Benton, Jeanine Hulsizer Thacker (Kobin), of Rogersville, Alabama, and Jason Michael Hulsizer (Patty), of Florence, Alabama; a brother-in-law, Jesse Glen Arey (Doris), of Weatherford, Texas; eight grandchildren, Jessica Lynne Petty (Matt), Collin O'Neal Peek (Kylie), Jennifer Leigh Hulsizer, Daniel Brady Hulsizer, Hannah Jane Phillips (Trevor), Reece William Thacker, Mary Elizabeth Hulsizer and John Caleb Hulsizer; four great-grandchildren, Savannah Grace Petty, Charlotte Elizabeth Petty, Evelyn Catherine Phillips and Anderson James Peek; and a wonderful, faithful friend he considered another son, Curt Smith, and his family, of Killen, Alabama.
An opportunity to greet the family will be held from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, at Mt. Harmony Baptist Church of Haskell.
A private family graveside service will follow at 2 p.m.