James Oliver Anthony, Jr.

James ‘Jim’ Oliver Anthony, Jr. of Fairhope, AL died peacefully at his home on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at the age of 76. He was born March 15, 1937 to the late James Oliver Anthony, Sr. and Jean Thackaberry Anthony. A native of Mobile, Jim grew up on Ann Street where he attended St. Matthews and Murphy High School. He served in the Army and National Guard Reserves from January 31, 1955 to May 31, 1963 when he was honorably discharged. During active duty, he was stationed in Germany. He was employed by Best Mechanical Contractors for many years, was a member of Local 119, a Master Plumber, owner of Anthony Plumbing and officially retired December 1, 2004 from the Baldwin County Commission as deputy Building Official. His dream of owning property with cows and horses became a reality when he and his wife Gloria bought land, built a house and moved to Fairhope in December 1967. Jim loved working on his land, always clearing and improving his property. He built barns, planted gardens, raised cattle and horses. In recent years, his favorite place to be was on his tractor bush hogging the fields or clearing the underbrush. Jim loved his family and will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and Gee-Daddy. He was preceded in death by his son Michael Benjamin Anthony; one sister, Jean Hudson; and two brothers, Gerald and Leslie “Butch” Anthony. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Gloria Underwood Anthony; two daughters, Belinda Anthony (Michael) Job and Nanette Anthony (Joe) Peturis; three grandchildren, Eric Christopher, Kileigh Peturis, and Amanda Job; two great grandsons, Mason and Adison Christopher; two sisters, Patsy (William) DeMouy and Marie (Terry) Osborne; one brother, John “Johnny” Anthony; many nieces, nephews, and friends. The family wishes to thank Covenant Hospice for making it possible to honor Jim’s wishes by bringing him home to be with his loving family and pass peacefully. Visitation will be held Sunday, December 22, 2013 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home in Fairhope. Funeral services will be Monday, December 23, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. from the chapel of Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home in Fairhope. Interment will follow in Memory Gardens of Fairhope. Jim loved his children and always hurt for the one’s suffering from illnesses. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. ARRANGEMENTS BY WOLFE-BAYVIEW FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY, INC. 19698 GREENO ROAD FAIRHOPE, AL 36532 (251)990-7775