James M. “Mike” Chambers
Born: December 20, 1926
Died: July 5, 2021
James M. Chambers, age 94, known to all as Mike, passed gently into heaven on July 6, 2021, in Mobile, Alabama, with loved ones holding his hand. A native of Leesburg, Alabama, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 69 years, Dorothy N. “Dot” (née Bailey) Chambers, who passed away on October 20, 2021. They were preceded in death by two infant children. Mr. Chambers was also preceded in death by his father, William Marion Chambers and Lori (née Doyle) Chambers and seven older siblings: Tillman Chambers, Orville Chambers, Erby Chambers, Annie Mae Reynolds, Clyde Chambers, Murle Nicholson and Raleigh Chambers. He is survived by one son, Michael (Rosie) Chambers in Mobile; two grandchildren, Ana Carmen (Chelsey) Chambers in Birmingham and Sarah Camille (Chris) LoPresti in Chicago; and two great grandchildren, Ana Cecile LoPresti and Michael Clark LoPresti. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews (and their children and grandchildren) from both the Chambers and Bailey sides of the family that were all an integral part of his life.
He was at all times a gentleman and a gentle spirit. His quiet demeanor concealed several key traits: a desire to always do the right thing, a kidding wit and a desire to be around other people. He graduated from high school two years early at age 16 during WWI. He immediately began work for the US Army at an installation in Gadsden. By 19 he was supervising about 50 other employees. He then transferred to the Anniston Army Depot (AOD) where he worked in headquarters for over 30 years. Upon retirement, he was presented with a special commendation from the US Army for his service. After retirement, he was hired by AOD to conduct additional work in Germany and South Korea. He was appointed and served many years as a member of the Anniston City Council Zoning Committee. He was a long-time member of the Weaver Methodist Church and the Civitans.
Once grandchildren appeared, he moved to Mobile with his wife so that they could be closer to them, eventually living next door. He was keen to conduct school rides and pick-ups, transfers to swimming lessons or volleyball games, with occasional stops to Dairy Queen for his beloved grandchildren. As they grew up and attended university, he loved nothing more than sporting his “Yale Grandpa” baseball cap which gave him multiple opportunities to brag on them. He joined Springhill Presbyterian Church in Mobile where he worshiped with his family and other members of the extended Chambers and de Juan family.
A memorial service will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, July 17, at Perry’s Funeral Home in Centre, Alabama. Burial will be at Cedar Hill Baptist Church in Leesburg, Alabama. No graveside service is planned. A memorial service in Mobile for both James M. Chambers and Dorothy Chambers is being planned for later this year.