James Cameron Venable, Jr.

Surrounded by his family singing his favorite hymns, James C. Venable, Jr. traded his earthly home for his heavenly home on March 5, 2020.  

Jim, as many of us called him, was born in Corpus Christi, TX on September 2, 1947 to James C. Venable Sr. and Mary Lavelle Walker Venable. As a child of a Marine, he and his family lived in many places until his father retired and settled in Irving, Texas. He and his two brothers attended church with their parents and were encouraged to grow in their faith and serve others

On October 31, 1963, Jim invited Janice Ann Smith to go on a church hayride and was instantly smitten with her. After a nearly three and half year courtship, Jim and Jan were married on May 26, 1967. After a few years of being newlyweds, they welcomed their first daughter, Christine Noelle Venable. And several years later, they welcomed their second daughter, Lori Michelle Venable.

Jim was a hard-working husband and father who worked diligently to provide for his family. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University with his degree in Business Administration. He enjoyed working for Texas Instruments were he honed his skills in production planning. In 1981, Jim had an opportunity to move his family from a small town in TX to Orlando, Florida to take a job working for Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin). He enjoyed a very prosperous and lengthy career at Lockheed Martin in Orlando, Florida as a production control planner.

In addition to working a full-time job at Lockheed Martin, Jim served as a deacon at First Baptist Orlando and, with Jan by his side, he took care of many widows in the church and in their community. He also volunteered as a children’s teacher at their church. His passion was not only knowing the Word of God but also putting his faith into practice.

After 30 years at Lockheed Martin, Jim retired and moved with his wife to Athens, AL to start the next chapter of their lives. He and Jan enjoyed several trips including a three-week European vacation and a visit out west to the Grand Canyons. Together, they spent more time with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jim enjoyed exploring the mysteries of space with his telescope, finding unique treasures in his ever-growing coin collection, taking photographs of nature and his sweet dogs, creating culinary treats in the kitchen, and growing herbs in his garden. And if you ever had the pleasure of playing cards or dominos with him, you know he was a fierce competitor.

Jim may be gone from this Earth, but he is forever in our hearts and memories. We believe the gates of heaven opened wide for this generous, compassionate and loving servant. As he walked through the gates, we believe our Heavenly Father welcomed him with open arms saying, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Jim was preceded in death by his father, James, and his mother, Lavelle. He is survived by his loving and devoted spouse, Jan;  his two daughters, Christie (Robert) Ross, Lori (Rob) Allman; his three grandchildren, Bobby Ross, Tommy Ross and Emma Kate Allman; his two great grandchildren, Trey and Ava-Claire Ross; and his two brothers, Roger (Liz) Venable and Larry (Carla) Venable.

A visitation time and celebration of life memorial service will be Thursday, March 12, 2020 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Visitation will be 10 AM – 11 AM followed by a celebration of life memorial service from 11 AM – 12 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the following organizations:

Russel Hill Cancer Foundation, 3601 CCI Drive, Huntsville, AL 35805

https://russelhill.org/donate/

This is where Jim was receiving his cancer care. Our family was deeply blessed by the loving and caring staff at Clearview Cancer Institute in Huntsville.

Mission trip fund of Mount Zion Baptist Church

228 Mt Zion Rd, Huntsville, AL 35806

Please put a note in check memo that reads Missions Scholarships

Jim was passionate about others hearing the gospel message. He would be honored knowing that others were able to go on mission trips to spread the Word.