James Vernon Ferguson III's Obituary
James V. “Papa” Ferguson, III, 73, a lifelong resident of Lincoln, passed away at home on Friday, December 13, 2024, after a long battle with Lung Cancer.
James is preceded in death by his loving wife, Linda Brown Ferguson; son James V. Ferguson, IV “Jamie”; son Michael Dale Hardegree, Jr.; grandson Bradley Ferguson; parents Marjorie Louise W. Ferguson and James V. Ferguson, Jr.; sister Brenda Gail Ferguson; brother Van Ferguson and nephew Kent Ferguson.
James is a true believer in Jesus Christ, loved his church and church family of Eden Westside Baptist Church. James was a committed loving husband to his wife Linda. He was her dedicated caregiver from 2018 until her passing in 2022. James was a very generous man with his time and talents! He was a patient and kind teacher and loved spending time with family and friends.
James was a proud Veteran that served his country in the Army during the Vietnam War receiving many accommodations and metals. Once out of the military James returned to Alabama and worked for Georgia Pacific and Stockham Valves as a millwright. After several years James created his own business called JV Maintenance, Inc. and developed a hardworking reputation for solving problems, this allowed him to obtain a contract to perform maintenance for UPS facilities all over Alabama until he retired in 2013.
James gave tirelessly of his time and talents being a long-time member of the Free and Accepted Mason’s Moody Lodge 592. In 2010 James received the Certificate of Proficiency, his rating at 98%, which is the qualifications for him to Instruct and Lecture in the Third Degree. James was a District Lecturer who traveled to many different Lodges all over the southeast from 2012 through 2018 to teach and lecture his fellow Mason Brothers. He was devoted to the Free and Accepted Masons where he enjoyed good friendship and a delicious full pancake breakfast each month. In 2020 James was recognized by Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Alabama as Mason of the Year, Group 1. This award was presented to James, a Brother Mason, who epitomizes the highest standard of friendship, fellowship, brotherly love and service to the craft. James had amazing Mason Brothers who called and/or visited him every day during his illness.
James is survived by his sons, Jason Ferguson (Janice), Joey Ferguson (Gloria); daughter Kimberly Anne Braden; niece Chrystal Ferguson and a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren; Aunt Sammie Wade and several special cousins. A heartfelt thanks to Levi and Brandon, two of James's grandsons who provided compassionate personal care over the last few weeks of his life.
James leaves behind a legacy of love, loyalty and friendship. He had a remarkable gift for making all those he encountered feel valued and respected, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew him. James loved fishing, hanging out with, and sharing long conversations with family and close friends. He will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
There will be a graveside service on January 4, 2025, at 1 pm located at Oxford Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers a donation in his memory to Eden Westside Baptist Church, 223 Wolf Creek Rd N, Pell City, AL 35125, is gratefully appreciated.
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