Mrs. Margie James' Obituary
Margie will be buried alongside her husband at Bethany Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, 11231-1599 Bethany Rd., Daviston, AL. Friends and family will gather at Radney Funeral Home, 1326 Dadeville Road, Alexander City, AL, at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, April 1, for a time of visitation before traveling together to Bethany for a brief graveside service and burial. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 4, at her home church, Bethel Baptist Church, 635 9th Way, Pleasant Grove, AL. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM.
Margie Ruth Daugherty James was born July 3, 1932, the fourth child of J.D. and Amie Nelson Daugherty, in Cragford in Clay County, AL. Growing up on a farm, Margie learned the value of hard work in her father’s fields. She was an animal lover, having had a horse, a dog, and as many as 13 cats at one time on the farm.
Margie was a good student and graduated as valedictorian of her class at Mellow Valley High School. She continued her studies at Birmingham Business College, graduating as salutatorian. Following graduation, she worked at clerical jobs until she married Ira James, and she became a minister’s wife. They served several churches and she worked as a church secretary for several years. When her husband passed unexpectedly in 1997, Margie began a new career at 65 at the Jefferson County courthouse in Bessemer, which continued until she retired from the Board of Equalization at 84. She loved to work and would have continued except for health issues. Her work allowed her to buy a house all on her own and to secure her retirement. When her house was completely blown away by a tornado in April of 2011, she was 79 years old and lost everything she owned. She replaced her home in time to host her family’s Christmas celebration as usual that same year. She was able to live in that home until she was 93. After a short time in assisted living, she passed away on March 27, 2026.
Margie is survived by her three children and their families: Brenda Odom (Richard), Linda Beam (Tony), and Terrell James (JoAnn). Grandchildren include Rev. Dr. Jason Odom (Michaela), Erin Piper (Josh), Josh Beam, Jamie Wade (Andrew), Jordan Ellis (Sarah Kathryn), and Tanner James. She was further blessed with several great grandchildren: Avery and Amelia Piper, James and Lucy Odom, and Cecilia and Lillian Ellis. Several nieces and nephews and many friends also survive her.
The family would like to extend thanks to The Oaks on Parkwood, where Margie lived prior to her final illness, and to the hospice personnel of COMPASSUS, who ministered so kindly to Margie and blessed her entire family on the third floor of UAB St. Vincent’s South tower.
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