Mr. James Grout Van Pelt, (known to his friends as Bama Jim) age; 87, of Walnut Hill, Florida, passed away on Sunday, February 17, 2019 at Atmore Community Hospital. Mr. Van Pelt was born in Pampa, Texas, October 1, 1931.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James Lester and Geraldine Van Pelt, his brother George Thomas Van Pelt and grandsons Russell William Stewart and James Robert Stewart.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Doris Cunningham Van Pelt and his children: son, Mike Van Pelt (Ginny), daughters: Gerri Van Pelt McDonald, Beth Drew (Steve), Janie Carpenter (Jimmy), Julie Brantley (Jerry). Grandchildren: Sandi Drew Sims (Travis), Ryan Stewart, Nicholas Drew (Jocelyn), Kyle Carpenter (Maria), Keri Carpenter, Bradley Lowery, Kristen Carpenter, Michael Lowery, Melanie McDonald, Jessica Lowery Bishop (Matthew). Great Grandchildren: Drew Sims, Asher Sims and Eleanor Drew.

The family moved to Pensacola in the 1930s. Jim graduated from Pensacola High School, attended Marion Institute, and graduated from the University of Alabama before serving as an officer in the Army as a pilot. After his service he moved back to run the family dairy in Walnut Hill, Florida.

Jim was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, Atmore for over 60 years, where he served in many capacities. He served on the boards of the Walnut Hill Grain Elevator and the Davisville Water System.

Active pallbearers are: Ryan Stewart, Kyle Carpenter, Nicholas Drew, Bradley Lowery, Michael Lowery, and Travis Sims.
Honorary pallbearers are: Clint Smith, Buck Powell, Jim Staff, Jim Spears, Pee Wee Powell, Tim Dortch, Lamar Godwin, Brett Ward and Heath Ward.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held at 12:30 on February 19, 2019 at First United Methodist Church, Atmore. Visitation will precede the service also at the Methodist church beginning at 11:00. The Reverend Dr. Debora Bishop and Reverend Brennan Peacock will officiate the service. Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Those who so desire may make memorial donations in memory of "Bama Jim" to First United Methodist Church, Atmore, More Than Bricks Fund, 311 S. Pensacola Ave. Atmore, Alabama 36502.