James "Jim" LaSalle Hood, III.

LOXLEY James LaSalle (Jim) Hood, III, age 63, died August 19, 2016.  He was born in Birmingham Al, to Jimmy and Eloise Hood.   After graduating from Talladega High School, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Debbie Mitchell, and moved to the south Alabama area where they remained until his death. He carried on the tradition of military service of his father, Jimmy, and father-in-law, Killer, Jim joined the National Guard.  He remained in the military until he retired in 2013.  During this time, he rose to the rank of Command Sargent Major, a military position attained by few.  He served his country overseas during Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom.  He was a brave and loyal soldier and received many awards for his leadership. He helped to bring out the best in the soldiers with whom he served and was a true leader.  One of his quotes that he led by was "you don't command soldiers, you lead them." Jim was predeceased by his parents, James L. Hood, Jr. and Eloise Foster Hood.  He is survived by his wife, Deborah Mitchell Hood; daughters, Amy Hood, Bozeman, MT, Paige Hood (Brandon) Cooke City , MT; grandchildren, Hazel, Charlie, Penelope, and Alleigh; brother, Lyle Hood (Liz); sisters, Honey Miller (Barry), Beth Paris (Shay) and many beloved nieces and nephews Jim took many leadership roles throughout his life and was always ready to help someone in need.  His passion of gardening, golf, storytelling, jokes and BBQ cooking will all be missed.  But his true joy came from his family and friends. Leaving a lasting and positive impression on them all.  This is a truly great loss for those that knew and loved him, but in his own words, we must "soldier on", followed by his goodbye, "out". Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 25, 2016, beginning at 9:30AM until 11:00AM at Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home in Daphne, AL.   Funeral services will follow at 11:00AM from the chapel.   Interment will be at 12:30PM at the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spanish Fort.  In lieu of flowers please donate to the William F. Green Veterans Home, 300 Faulkner Dr., Bay Minette, AL. 36507 or The Red Cross, P. O. Box 37839, Boone, IA. 50037. Pall bearers: Joe Nelson, Kenny Pritchett, Kipp Hoven, Karl Trawicks, Tony Ford, Kerry Hillis.  Honorary pall bearers: Barry Miller, Shay Paris, Dan Donica, Rob French, Eugene Woods, Steve Hand, Jimmy Atchison, Johnny Atchison, Guy Aycock, Delwyn Mills, and Bill Taylor.  Military Honors rendered by Fort Rucker, AL. ARRANGEMENTS BYWOLFE-BAYVIEWFUNERAL HOMES& CREMATORY, INC.27409 U. S. HIGHWAY 98DAPHNE, AL  36526(251)625-2900