Jim McAlpin's Obituary
Sweet are the Memories of an adventurous life! At 87 years old, James "Jim" McAlpin passed quietly into his greatest adventure of all. Complications after emergency surgery led to his passing from this world on Feb 27th, 2022.
Anyone who's had the pleasure of knowing Jim, is likely to agree he is a generous, gentle giant with a heart of gold. They also know he has been just mischievous enough to create some fantastic memories: His grade school teacher probably enjoyed telling of the young lad who was absent due to "Spring Fever?!?"
In his teens he was known to hike from Memphis to the Smokey Mountains with a stop off at Aunt Mamie and Uncle Troy's farm to chase the chickens and get a belly full of whole onions and cornbread in milk with a touch of salt. For dessert they'd crack open a watermelon while it was still on the vine.
When his brother, Ray, was in the service, Jim took Good Care of Ray's "motorsickle" and then joined his brother in the service once he was old enough. His adventures in the Navy were stateside but still had a sense of danger because he was in the Golden Gloves and took a few beatings. However, he was so good at dancing around the ring that he was compelled to train any and every youngster who would listen. He'd put a pillow in front of his tummy and dare the kids to give it their best shot. "Keep your hands up, Elbows in!" he'd coach. If they gave him a good slug, he'd roll over and play dead.
Another way he won the hearts of young’uns was with his ice cream. In the early days, he'd have them work for it by cranking the homemade ice cream maker. As time went on, though, he would just pull out the tub of ice cream and add a heap of Hershey's chocolate for anyone ready and willing. Jim was very much at home with a little one snuggled in the crook of his arm watching TV, but the kids also loved to bounce on his belly until his Teeth Popped Out!
According to your age or stage of life you could count on him either threatening to "beat 'em off with a stick" or urging you to get married and have lots of babies. Jim often forgot or mispronounced names… even his own children's names…. but then he'd just throw out a hearty "Hey Hon" to get somebody's attention.
Jim was a hard worker all his life and, even after retiring, would sometimes wake from a dream and jump up ready to get those newspapers delivered. He worked hard at home…. well at the grill anyway…. Those of us who enjoyed his burgers or steaks thought of him whenever we fired up a Smokey Grill Master.
Road Trips were one of Jim's favorite pastimes. He'd pile the family in the car and head out to the Smokey's, Sardis or the beach. For kids riding with him on the dark, curvy roads of the mountainside, he had a special stunt. The kids would yell "Do It! Do It!" and, just as he started round the bend, he'd turn off the headlights, let go of the wheel and pretend to lose control. Better than a rollercoaster! If there was no time for a long trip, he's just drive around town or breeze through the backroads on a motorcycle. In December, the whole family would go "Christmas-Light-Looking" while singing carols. His longest trip was to Australia when, at the age of 70, he and wife, Barbara, flew to Australia. Being brave and adventurous, as always, he even went scuba driving.
One time he was determined to find his sister, Judy's, new home so he piled the kids in the car and went cruising through her neighborhood. What do you know? Judy just happened to be outside cutting the grass and saw him rambling up the road with a passel of kiddos. What a delightful surprise!
Having a special fascination with the weather, Jim couldn't resist driving from Memphis to the Gulf Coast while Hurricane Camille was brewing. He stayed at a beachfront motel so he could watch the storm roll in and made it out without a scratch although the motel was mostly demolished.
Adult adventures usually included a stiff drink and if he stirred it with his finger and jiggled the ice, you could be sure "The Crow's Gonna Fly Tonight!" Poker, Gin Rummy and Dominoes kept him in the winner’s circle even if it was just a penny pot. However, he was a good loser too and a generous friend to everyone.
Jim returned again and again to the countryside and mountains, whether chilling a watermelon in a mountain stream, taking the kids on a camping trip or cane pole fishing on a quiet, side road. One of Jim's favorite sports was golf and for many years he'd hunt up a foursome for the weekend and rise with the sun for Tee-off time. It was just another way to enjoy nature's blessings.
Holidays were spectacular in the McAlpin family. Papaw was known for some extreme Halloween costumes, including a realistic-looking Mummy! And many a Thanksgiving weekend was spent at Wall Doxey State Park where, for over 30 years, Jim and Barbara hosted their 11 children with growing families who gathered to visit, play games and walk around the lake - day or night. Building fires and telling spooky stories were a natural part of these weekends where everyone was eating, laughing or "secretly" walking a dog while the occasional football game lulled in the background.
And then there was Christmas, with the endless wrapping of presents, the fragrant decor and ceremonious reading of "A Christmas Memory". The classic story is delightful on its own but, when Barbara read it with her classic Southern accent, it was enchanting. It was so magical that we recorded her reading and still play it on the holidays - Truman Capote would be proud.
Jim is preceded in death by his adoring wife, Barbara "Boo" McAlpin and survived by his 5 loving children: Jim Jr (wife Jeannine, children Stephanie, deceased, Trey and Brad); Debra (spouse Jake, children Terry, Selina, Chloe); David; Jana; Rene (husband Jeremy) plus 5 faithful stepchildren Bitsy (husband Danny, two sons); Shawn (husband Chris, one daughter ); Chuck; Jack; Mimi (two daughters and a son) plus 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
The memories could go on and on and that's why we hope you will join us in celebrating the life of James “Jim” McAlpin, Sr. on Thursday, March 3rd, 2022. A casual-dress, public viewing and visitation will be held at 12:30pm at Memorial Park Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave in Memphis 38120. The viewing will be followed by a heartwarming graveside service at 2pm.
What’s your fondest memory of Jim?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jim?
Share a story where Jim's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jim you’ll never forget.
How did Jim make you smile?
