James Alley

ALLEY, JAMES THOMAS "TOM" of Hoover passed away on Friday, September 28, 2007, at the age of 81. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Norma C. Alley. He is survived by one daughter, Jennifer Alley of Hoover and a brother in law, James M. Crumley of McDonalds Chapel. Mr. Alley was able to survive Merkel cell carcinoma for 4 years in large part due to the excellent care delivered by Drs. Luigi Bertoli and Fred Dumas and their very wonderful staffs. He also was supported on a daily basis by a large number of very caring friends and neighbors. Mr. Alley was born on September 25, 1926 to James Toliver Alley and Eva Watson Alley. He attended Ramsey High School where his father was the Boy's Advisor and tennis coach. In 1943, he was the Alabama State Men's Doubles Tennis Champion. Following graduation he attended Tulane University on a Navy Scholarship and received a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering in 1948. At this time, he began a career at US Steel that spanned 48 years during which he returned to school and received a Bachelors in Civil Engineering and a Masters in General Engineering from UAB. He and Norma married on June 17, 1955 at Second Presbyterian Church, and enjoyed 50 years of a good and happy marriage. They were long-time members of Bluff Park United Methodist Church where he served on numerous boards and committees throughout the years. In lieu of flowers, Mr. Alley requested that memorials be sent to a program of your choice at Bluff Park United Methodist Church, or to the Alley Family Endowment Scholarship for Graduate Engineering Studies, c/o Ms. Heather Crozier, Samuel Ginn School of Engineering, Auburn University, 107 Ramsay Hall, Auburn, AL 36849. The family will receive friends on Monday, October 1, 2007 from 9:00-10:00 am at Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home, Highway 150, Hoover. Graveside service will follow at 10:00 am at Jefferson Memorial Gardens, South with Rev. Reid Crotty officiating. Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home of Hoover directing.