Mr. James Bickley Hoffman Sr.
Following an extraordinary fight against several recent illnesses, our devoted father, decorated war veteran and loyal husband, James Bickley Hoffman Sr., was called by Jesus to enter his eternal rest on Dec. 11th, 2015.
John 14:2 states, "In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." By faith, our dad came to believe in this most precious promise and was fully ready to abide forever in the loving comfort of his Lord and Savior.
Throughout his life, our dad truly exemplified what it means to be self-sacrificing. He never put himself before anyone.
Born Feb. 3rd, 1929, Mr. Hoffman was the oldest child of the late Homer Lee and Eloise Hoffman of Fairfield Highlands. He was preceded in death by three sisters, Jackie Mizerany, Virginia Hoffman and Oma Lee Hoffman and his first wife Dr. Joan Steely Hoffman of Bessemer.
A varsity cheerleader and graduate of Hueytown High School, Mr. Hoffman was also a decorated serviceman. He was awarded the Bronze Star three times for heroic achievement in a combat zone, a UN Service Medal and a service medal for his tour of duty in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged from the United States Army in 1952 with the rank of Corporal.
Quick witted and smart, our dad was a man of few words unless discussing politics, food and football. He chose instead to let his actions define his character. He was a lifelong Auburn fan and a fastidious keeper of details and documents.
By the actions of his life, he gave a clear testimony of just what it means to live with a sense of duty, hard work and loyalty to others.
He worked in the tin mill for United States Steel Corporation for 35 years and RBC Bank for an additional 20 years before finally retiring. While working full-time to provide for his family and pay for our mother''s education, he volunteered in his community as a coach and umpire for Glen Oaks Dixie Youth Baseball. He also enjoyed fishing, boating, driving too fast, taking immaculate care of his car and providing his family with annual vacations to Clearwater Beach, Fla.
He will be deeply missed by his son, James Bickley Hoffman Jr., and long-time partner, Ms. Teri Fagan; his daughter Valerie Anne Hoffman and son-in-law Lance E. Johnson; his second wife of 31 years, Mary W. Hoffman and two step-children, Laurie Cartier and Jeff Aldridge and his wife, Kim.
In addition he leaves behind two grandchildren, Garrick W. Hoffman and Maggie Hoffman; step-grandchildren, Andrew Epperson, Amanda Stacy and her husband, Chris; Logan Aldridge and Mia Aldridge and great step-grandson, Baylor Stacy; several nieces and nephews.
Following visitation at 10 am, the funeral will be at 11 am on Tuesday, Dec. 15th at Valhalla Funeral Home with graveside Military honors at Valhalla Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at 12:30 pm at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church in McCalla. As he wished, our dad will be buried beside his mother.
Today, our dad''s parting thoughts would be this: "Talk is cheap. The real effect you have on others is the most valuable currency there is. Everything else passes away and all that is left is what was truly in your heart."