James Brindley

James Bellenger Brindley, 86 of Hanceville, formerly of Blountsville, passed away Sunday, March 17, 2024. He was born June 11, 1937, in Blount County the son of Van Buren Brindley and Betty Lou Bellenger Brindley. James was the third child born to the Brindley’s and was born in the Royal Community surrounded by his Bellenger and Brindley grandparents. After moving to Blountsville, he and Joe were in the same class throughout their school careers. After their dad purchased the Blountsville farm, they shared many farm duties with sheep and cattle and other projects. They loved sports and were outstanding football players and leaders at J. B. Pennington High School, from which he was a 1957 graduate. James joined the National Guard while in 10th grade and attended camps faithfully. James was the captain of the 1956 football team, was President of the FFA Chapter, and received the Alabama and American Farmer’s degrees. He also received the singular honor of being named the Star Future Farmer of Alabama. As a young married couple, he and his late wife Becky Graves Brindley established a chicken farm on Mardis Mill Road. Later, he expanded the farm to include cattle and riding horses. He was also one of Alabama’s best sheep shearers, and on one occasion he sheared 135 in a single day. He later worked at Steward Machine Shop until his retirement. James was a much-loved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. He loved the simple things in life—horseback riding, coaching youth sports, teaching Sunday School, traveling, eating catfish at Top of the River, and recreational activities with his large family and church groups. His was a life well-lived. He is survived by his wife of 46 years Martha Putman Brindley; children: Jan Johnson (Ronnie), James Lee Brindley (Angie), Ruthie Bradford (Ray), David Nelson (Sherry) and Josh Nelson (Kelly); eleven grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren; sister: Mary Howard; brother: Joe Brindley (Syble); a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded by his first wife: Becky Graves Brindley; parents: Van and Betty Brindley and a sister: Martha Gunter. Funeral Service was 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at Blountsville Funeral Home with Brother Michael Murphree officiating. The burial was in Blountsville Cemetery, Blountsville Funeral Home directing. Visitation was from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Blountsville Funeral Home. Pallbearers: Adam Brindley, Wesley NeSmith, Caleb Nelson, Riley Bradford, Mike Jones, Jarred Johnson, Jud Nelson, Ronin NeSmith and Braden Jones. Honorary Pallbearers will be his great grandsons.

James Brindley

June 11, 1937 - March 17, 2024