Otis James

Dr. Otis Maxwell James, Jr., 78, died peacefully at home on Sunday, July 9, 2023 with loved ones by his side. "Otis, Jr." Was born on February 2, 1945 to Otis Maxwell James, Sr., and Mary Linda McLean James.

Dr. James, or "Doc" to those who knew him, was a true lifelong resident of Tibbie where he was a member of Tibbie Baptist Church. He met the love of his life, Sue Ann Wilkins James, at Tibbie Baptist Church in February 1971 and they were married at Escatawpa Baptist Church on June 6, 1971.

Dr. James graduated from The University of Alabama in 1967 and began his educational career as Principal of the Deer Park School. He received his AA Certificate from the University of South Alabama, and his Doctorate in Educational Administration from The University of Alabama in 1995. He was a dedicated teacher, assistant principal, and principal at Citronelle High School, McIntosh High School, Wagarville Elementary School, and Fruitdale High School. He loved all of his students and treated them like his own children, priding himself in trying to prepare each student in his classroom for the "real world." He sprinkled his "wisdom" in each English class he taught.

Dr. James enjoyed smoking his pipe, riding his tractor, spending time with his beloved family and his German Shepard's, and correcting grammar.

Dr. James is preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Juanita James Young and Maxine James Taylor. He is survived by his wife, Sue Ann Wilkins James; his daughters, Jessica Sue James and Andrea Cassidy James Sharma (Manu Sharma); sister, Voncille James Cleary; and five nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers are nephews Marvin H. Taylor, Jr., and Eric H. Young, cousin Rusty James, and friends Mark Williams, Gyromas Newman, Brian Henry, Thomas Cooley and Blane Dolbare. Honorary pallbearers are (retired) Judge Thomas Baxter and his former Fruitdale High School students.

Services will be held on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at Tibbie Baptist Church with Bro. Ernest Tucker and Bro. Woody Baughn officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00am, with the service at Noon. Interment will follow in Tibbie Baptist Cemetery, with a lunch in the Fellowship Hall. All who knew Dr. James are welcome. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Tibbie Baptist Church will be lovingly accepted.