James Earl "Jim" Hemby

Wednesday, November 15, 1933 - Friday, April 11, 2025

James Earl Hemby (Jim), a resident of Dothan, went to his heavenly home surrounded by his family on Friday, April 11, 2025, at the age of 91.

A service celebrating Jim’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Dothan with Dr. Taylor Rutland and Rev. Bob Gross officiating.  The family will receive visitors at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service, and Sorrells Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

Mr. Hemby was born November 15, 1933, in Slocomb, Alabama, to the late Carlyn Earl Hemby and Mildred Underwood Hemby.  A 1956 graduate of Slocomb High School, Jim was a proud Red Top on the undefeated football team his junior year; and he loved driving his Model A Ford around town.  He continued his education at Alabama Polytechnic Institute, now known as Auburn University, where he earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration and was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity.  Jim was also a very proud War Eagle alum, and for many years he attended football games making great memories on the “Loveliest Village on the Plains”.

Upon graduation from Auburn, Jim chose to serve his country and joined the U.S. Army. Afterwards, he began an extended career in education. His first teaching job was in Panama City, Florida, where he met two lifelong friends, Dave Hawkins and John Hope, known as the “three musketeers”.  In 1963 Jim joined Dothan City Schools as a teacher of Distributive Education and furthered his education by receiving a Master’s Degree in Vocational Education and an Ed.S. Degree in Administration and Supervision, which led to Jim leaving the classroom to serve Dothan City Schools as Director of Vocational Education and Support Services, which he dearly loved.  

In this capacity he grew and developed the Dothan Vocational Center into a model school in the State of Alabama.  He believed that any student who learned a skilled trade would have a boundless opportunity to succeed.  Recognized with numerous state awards for his vocational education leadership and talents, his true award came in seeing students and teachers excel.  After retirement, his passion for public education continued to be exhibited when he was elected in 2001 as Chairman of the Board of Dothan City Schools.  He served four years where he was able to resume his vision of working to provide every student with a firm educational foundation and to equip teachers with the necessary tools to succeed in the classroom.   

In 1963 Jim met the love of his life, Sylvia Crane, of Headland.  Six months later, they married and were blessed with two daughters.  Jim’s “three girls” were his greatest joy, and he was the epitome of the ultimate “girl dad”.  Whether it was a dance recital, gymnastic meet, cheerleader event, school project, fishing trip, or beach day, Jim enjoyed it all and stood just a little bit taller with pride.  A devoted husband and father, Jim cared for his girls with unconditional love, incredible patience, and sincere devotion.  Becoming a Gdaddy to grandchildren added another layer of love for his family, and Jim thoroughly enjoyed watching them grow up and participating in their activities. 

Involved in civic organizations, Jim held leadership positions in the Dothan Civitan Club and was a member of the Dothan Rotary Club.  An active and lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Dothan, he enjoyed teaching the 8th grade boys Sunday School and being a member of the “Older Men’s” Sunday School Class.  Jim also took much pride tending to his yard and decorating with Christmas lights, receiving countless “Yard of the Month” and “Best Overall” recognitions by the Northside Garden Club.  Jim’s life was one filled with devotion to his family, students, and faculty.  He enjoyed Saturdays at Auburn and planning boating and fishing trips with friends.  At times a man of few words, Jim will always be remembered and loved for his big heart and passion for his family and life.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Sylvia; his daughters, Beth Hemby (Wiley McNeal) and Carla Woodall (Bob); his grandchildren, Brannon (Chelsea), James, Elizabeth Grace, and Robert Woodall; and his great-grandchildren, Emme Gholston and Charlotte and Tallulah Woodall.  Cousins include Henrietta Sumner, Jennifer Golden, Priestly Underwood, Dr. D.J. Underwood, Evelyn Mullins, and John Mullins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Dothan Technology Center, ATTN: Ryan Richards, 3209 Reeves Street, Dothan, AL 36303 for student scholarships. Contributions may also be made to the Respite Care Ministry, 1380 West Main Street, Dothan, AL 36303 where the family extends deep appreciation for the love and care shown to Jim by the dedicated staff and volunteers.  The family is also appreciative to Southern Care Hospice for their tender care and compassion and to all his friends and family for their love and prayers.