James Bolin

James D. Bolin, age 71 was called home to be with the Lord on Jan. 15, 2011 after fighting a battle with lung cancer with a tremendous amount of dignity and grace. He leaves behind his wife for over 52 years. Rachel, who was the love of his life. He also leaves behind a daughter, Lynn Bolin and son, Randy Bolin and his beloved grandson, Eric Gay, whom he adored and was his best buddy. Other loved ones include 3 sisters, LaVern Odom (Ronnie), Wanda Ingram (Bill) and Betty Benson, 1 brother, Leon Bolin (Penny) and 1 Aunt, Madjorie Barton (Wilburn). He also leaves behind many precious nieces and nephews, cousins and numerous very dear and cherished friends. He is preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth and his beloved parents, Albert and Gladys Bolin. He served in the Naval Reserves from 1956-1962 when he was honorably discharged. His life's work was that of a Firefighter. He was a Firefighter with the City of Birmingham for over 20 years, attaining the rank of Battalion Chief. He also served as Fire Marshall and Chief of Drills and Training with the department. In 1972, he was named Fireman of the Year for his selfless and heroic efforts to rescue and provide resuscitative measures to a toddler from an apartment fire. After retiring from Birmingham, he became the Fire Chief for the City of Hueytown from 1988-2001 and was instrumental in taking the force to a full professional Fire Department with several new Fire Stations built and new equipment obtained to serve the City and citizens of Hueytown. He was also President of the Alabama Association of Fire Chiefs from July 1991-July 1992. A member of Trussville Country Club for many years, he was an avid and passionate golfer, with many "holes in one". He loved and will miss all his golfing friends. Many thanks go out to all his wonderful doctors and nurses who took such good care of him, and for everyone for all their faithful prayers on his behalf, which gave him strength, comfort, and peace beyond measure. In lieu of flowers, he requested that a donation be made to the American Cancer Association to fight Lung Cancer and his greatest desire is that everyone quit smoking. Services are to be held at Jefferson Memorial in Trussville. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011 from 5 to 7PM, with the funeral services on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011 at 2:00 PM. Burial will follow at Jefferson Memorial Gardens. Reverend Bob Smith will be officiating over the services. An Honor Guard is graciously provided by the Fire Department of the City of Hueytown. He loved his fellow brother firefighters so much. Jefferson Memorial Trussville directing.