Jim Grider

Jimmy Wayne Grider left us to be with His Lord on March 9, 2011 after a long battle with leukemia and complications from a stem cell transplant. He was born on June 20, 1942 in Stevenson, AL and passed away peacefully, with his family beside him, at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL. At the time of his retirement, "Jim" was a Captain for United Airlines. He flew many types of planes over his long career, including the 747, 757, 767 and 777. He previously flew for Saturn Airways and TransAmerica Airlines. He proudly served his country in the USAF and was a member of the Airline Pilots Association and the Retired Airline Pilots Association. His career moved him to many places and he previously lived in Mobile, Alabama, Anchorage, Alaska and Treasure Island, Florida before settling with his family in Milton, Florida so he could be closer to Selma to help care for his mother. Jim had many hobbies and loved his toys. He loved to spend time in the mountains, especially Colorado. He also love boating and fishing. Jim had a strong love for the Lord and shared his love for Him with others. He was preceded in death by his former wife, Cynthia Grider; daughters, Bobbie and Rachel Grider; parents, Hubert Grider and Nannie Mae Farley and sister, Betty Ann Chavers Jim is survived by his wife, Anne M. Grider, formerly of Atlanta. His surviving children are daughter and son-in-law, Bridgett and Gary Crews of Dade City, Florida, Matthew Grider of Dallas, Texas and Christine Grider of Milton, Florida; brothers, Lyn Jordan of Selma, Alabama and James Jordan of Demopolis, Alabama and sister, Debbie Farley of Selma, Alabama. He is also survived by his longtime friend and school buddy, Jim Baldwin of Texas and by friends, Dr. Jess and Debra Lester of Georgia. Arrangements will be handled by Selma Funeral Home, 5171 Alabama Hwy 22 East, Valley Grande, AL, 36701, 334-872-0110. Viewing will be Friday, March 18 from 6-8:00 p.m. and the service to celebrate his life will be held on March 19 at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of Selma Funeral Home with Dr. Kenny Hatcher officiating. Burial will be at Pineview Memory Gardens adjoining the chapel property immediately following the service. Pallbearers will be Matthew Grider, Lyn Jordan, James Jordan, Jim Baldwin, Gary Crews and Tommy Simmons. Donations in his memory may be made to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, P. O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA, 01202. Please include Jim's name and address. The address is P. O. Box 70, Selma, AL , 36702. Condolences to the family may be sent to Anne Grider, P. O. Box 70, Selma, AL, 36702.