Jim Head

James (Jim) Stanley Head, 61, was born on December 23rd,1963, and was translated to Glory on July 25th, 2025. The family will be receiving friends Wednesday, July 30, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Haleyville Methodist Church. A Celebration of Life Service to follow at 2:00 p.m. at the church. Jim was preceded in death by his father, James Sylvester Head. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Emily Head, and children, James and Ellen Head; mother, Jane Stanley Head; siblings, Jon Head (Danielle), Jeff Head (Julee) and Jennifer Head Grubbs (Scott); and a host nieces and nephews as well as extended family and friends. Jim was a member of Haleyville Methodist Church. He was quick to show the gentleness and the kindness of Jesus to all he met. He graduated from Liberal High School in Liberal, KS where he developed a great love of music through his years of playing the trumpet and leading the band as drum major with “That Liberal Band.” He relished his singing and performing days with “The Madrigals.” He would further enjoy playing his trumpet with the Million Dollar Band at the University of Alabama during the days of Bear Bryant. He earned his B.A. at New College and his Masters degree in History from the University of Alabama as well. He was a personal assistant to Pulitzer Prize winner, and publisher of “The Tuscaloosa News,” Jim Boone. He worked for multiple newspapers in a variety of places. He worked for twelve years at Graphics Laser Systems, and two years at the University of North Alabama as a tech support. He found his true and best calling when he discovered his love of teaching. He spent the last 27 years of his life teaching and inspiring young people at Addison High School as band director, history and computer teacher, and track coach. A week before Jim’s passing he wrote about his life’s accomplishments and adventures. He said the following: I have danced in the grand ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria in NYC to Count Basie and Ella Fitzgerald. I have heard two U.S. Presidents speak, one twice. I have played “Hail to the Chief” for the Commander in Chief, Ronald Reagan. I have jumped 5 times from an aircraft while in flight, a C-130 and a C-141, including once at night. I have marched in the Million Dollar Band for 5 years. I have travelled to the Soviet Union, been inside the Kremlin, and seen Lenin in his mausoleum. I have been swimming in the water off of Oahu and Maui. I have been to Finland and the Gulf of Bothnia and flown to Åland. I have earned two degrees from the University of Alabama, including my Master's degree. I have marched in the Tournament of Roses parade and the Fiesta Bowl parade. I have appreciated my experiences as a band director for 18 years, tried to make each moment count. I have been successfully and happily married for 27+ years. I, along with my wonderful wife, have raised and are raising two beautiful kids, one of whom is a special needs young man with autism. I am greatly looking forward to supporting my daughter as she plays my very own trumpet with “The Famous Maroon Band,” at Mississippi State this fall. Jim has been described as an “uncommonly good man” who never spoke a bad word about anybody. One student described him as the “epitome of a great human – the kind they just don’t make anymore. He didn’t just talk it; he was a model of it.” Another student said, “He made school feel like home, and he made every student feel seen, valued, and cared for. He was kind, funny, and had a way of making you believe in yourself, even on the days you didn’t. I still carry lessons he taught me, not just about the subject, but about life.” His wife called him Mister Rogers because of his gentle and kind demeanor. He loved Star Trek, Star Wars, Nasa, and all things space. He greatly enjoyed “Lord of the Rings.” He was a gifted photographer and memory keeper for his family and school family. He enjoyed Christmas better than anyone. He was an avid runner and enjoyed much success competing in races. He loved life every day and made every moment count. Words simply are not enough to describe his wonderful life that was well lived and well loved. He left an indelible imprint on the hearts and minds of so many. In lieu of flowers the family request memorials made to Addison High School Marching Band, 151 School Dr., Addison, AL 35540 or Haleyville Roaring Lion Band, 2001 20th St., Haleyville, AL 35565 or the Haleyville Methodist Men, 2207 9th Ave., Haleyville, Al 35565.

Jim Head

December 23, 1963 - July 25, 2025

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Jim Head

December 23, 1963 - July 25, 2025

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Grief & Healing

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