James Fort, Jr

died Tuesday, August 4, at his home in Vestavia. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Jimmy and Frances Fort of Verbena, Alabama, and by his first wife, Mary Anne Hamilton Fort. He is survived by his wife Becky and by his three children: Mary Buford Fort of Joseph, Oregon; his son Bruce Fort (Ann) of Atlanta, Georgia; and his son Eric Fort (Carolyn), of Helena, Alabama. His sister, Frances Mandy, lives in Huntsville, Alabama. He was the proud grandfather of Catherine and Evelyn Fort of Atlanta, and Bryson and Thomas Fort of Helena. Jim began his career in banking while still a student at Birmingham-Southern College. After working at Birmingham Trust National Bank and SouthTrust Bank for twenty-five years, he served as the president of Troy Bank and Trust in Troy, Alabama, and as president of Deposit Guaranty Bank in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and in Laurel, Mississppi. He retired from AmSouth Bank in Birmingham. His memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 9, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, with a visitation in the church’s parish hall to follow. In lieu of flowers, Jim asked that memorials be offered to St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 2970 Acton Road, Birmingham, AL, 35243; to Episcopal Place, 1112 26th Street South, Birmingham, AL, 35205; or to Greater Birmingham Ministries, 2304 12th Avenue North, Birmingham, AL, 35234.