James Charles Ladd

Passionate storyteller and conversationalist, sharer of terrible jokes, voracious reader, crazy plant guy, avid backyard butterfly and bird enthusiast, crafter of the world’s most intricate plans, extravagant lover of his family and the Atlanta Braves. An adoring father, a caring brother, an excellent friend. Jim Ladd, a character larger than life, was unexpectedly returned to our Lord after a short illness. 

Gone before to meet him were his son Ryan William Ladd; his parents Joseph M. and Mildred P. Ladd; special brothers-in-law Doug White and Ronnie Nasralla; and his nephews Eric Ladd and Hamilton Nasralla. Left behind to remember him are his daughter Megan Rae Cummins (Kevin); his grandchildren Caden and Molly Kate Cummins and Kelton Ladd; his beloved siblings Rosemary Nasralla, Tricia Fort (Johnny), Alanna White, Bill Ladd, Joe Ladd (Deana), Michael Ladd (Sabina); and a large, laughing, loving group of nieces and nephews. 

Jim attended the University of Georgia until he was drafted into the Vietnam War. He was incredibly proud to be a Veteran of the United States Army. He served his country courageously, surviving his helicopter being shot down over the jungles of Vietnam and receiving multiple medals for bravery. After returning home from the war, he finished his undergraduate degree at Western Kentucky University and subsequently earned his Juris Doctor from the Salmon P. Chase College of Law.

Jim was a practicing attorney for many years, and his love for strategy and debate was very clear to anyone who found themselves in an argument with him. After retirement, he moved to Madison, Alabama to live the bachelor life with his brother Billy, where he spent many happy years. Along with traveling the world with his brother, he was a very active member of their small community, decorating for every holiday, making meals for neighbors, and being a part of the neighborhood HOA. 

He found great joy in learning; he never stopped researching and note-taking until he knew every last detail of whatever subject snagged his attention. He could wax on for hours about the intricacies of bonsai keeping, the exact ratio of ingredients for the perfect wild bird feed, or the statistics of his favorite baseball players. He was a marvelous gift giver, with many of his research hours dedicated to finding the exact right thing for the exact right person. He was funny and loud and gregarious and unfiltered and perfectly imperfect. He loved deeply and he was loved deeply.

The family will receive visitors at Legacy Chapel Funeral Home in Madison, Alabama on Saturday, February 15 from 11am to 2pm, with a Celebration of Life service following at 2pm. There will be a graveside service at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery North in Williamstown, KY at a later date.