James Goodwin

James Hymon Goodwin, born August 16, 1942, a dedicated Marine Corps veteran and beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on May 30, 2024, at age 81, after a short illness. Hymon, known to many of his friends as Jim, was born and raised in Trussville, Alabama, and often spoke of a simple childhood outdoors among dairy cows and other farm animals when the town was in its humbler beginnings as Slagheap Village.

Hymon honorably served in the United States Marine Corps, including two campaigns in Vietnam. He reached the rank of Sergeant (E-5) and achieved military honors including the Rifle Expert Badge, Pistol Marksmanship Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Citation, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal with two campaign stars.

Hymon avoided pomp and pretense, cherishing the simpler and humbler things throughout his life, such as morning coffee with friends (human friends, furry friends, and feathered friends alike), a job well done, or being able to hear the falling snow in North Pole, Alaska. He enjoyed making two trips through the Yukon and along the beautiful Steese Highway with Joyce, his beloved wife of 55 years.

After his Marine Corps service, Hymon worked at BellSouth/AT&T (formerly South Central Bell) and rose to Construction Manager, retiring in 2002. As with all he did, Hymon prided himself on work well done and camaraderie at BellSouth.

He is survived by his wife Joyce; sons Alan (Heather) and Derrick (Kelly); sister Sharon (Eugene); two nieces; and four beautiful grandchildren, of whom he was extremely proud. Hymon's loved ones will cherish his memory and strive to honor his legacy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donna M. and Edgar L. Goodwin, both of whom he served as a devoted son until the end of their lives.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 5 at 10:00 a.m., at Holy Infant of Prague Catholic Church in Trussville.  Family and friends may gather at the church to visit with one another beginning at 9:00 a.m. An interment ceremony will follow at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo at 12:30 p.m. Family and friends are welcome to join the family to enjoy each other's company and share memories of Hymon at Sherry's Cafe in Trussville after the graveside service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Holy Infant of Prague building fund or the USO in James Hymon Goodwin’s honor.

Whether you knew him as Hymon or Jim, James Hymon Goodwin was a true and loyal friend, whose love for his family and country will be deeply missed. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. Semper Fi.