James Golden, Jr

James Lowell Golden, Jr. born February 19th, 1926, died January 11th, 2023. He was the son of James Lowell  Golden, Sr. and Lucinda Short Golden.  J. L., (Brother) (Jimmy) (Daddy) (Little Papaw) he answered to all, grew up in Oak Grove, Al. As a teenager he traveled to Mobile, Al. where he worked in the shipyards. At 17, he joined the Navy and served on active duty during WWII for 3 years and then in the Navel Reserve for 7 years. He was proud to have marched in the first Veteran’s Day parade in Birmingham in 1947.

He was a railroad engineer for the Birmingham Southern Railroad for over 40 years.  His greatest joy was spending time at his river house on the Warrior River with his 2 daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters- Jimmy Lou Golden  , Jackie Washington (Ray) and brother Charles Golden (Billie). He leaves behind  his wife of 75 years, Gladys Banks Golden,  sister, Helen Nelson (Jim) and brothers, Don Golden, and Dowell Golden (Darlene),daughters, Carol Newell (Mike), Gale Sherer (Steven), 4 Grandchildren, Brian Newell, Jason Newell (Wendy), Brandy Sponsler (Matt),and Candace Godsey (Hollis), 7 Great-Grandchildren, numerous beloved nieces and nephews and faithful kitties, Molly and Bobby.

Special thanks to Hosmer Home Care Ministry, Beth Hosmer, Bridgett Cole, Kristen Posey, Kristen Oglesby, Michelle Smitherman. We are especially thankful to Donny Hosmer and Terry Bowden for the care they provided in Dad’s final days.  Thanks to all the people at Compassus Hospice Care.  In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, 1919 9th Avenue, Calera, AL 35040, or Alabama Heritage, Box 870342, Tuscaloosa, AL 35486-9983.