James Shewmake

James William Shewmake NORTHPORT - James William "J.W." Shewmake, age 71, of Northport, died May 17, 2016, at home. Services will be 11 a.m. Friday, May 20, 2016, at Shiloh Baptist Church with Bro. David Mills officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home North directing. Visitation will be today, May 19, 2016, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Ola Shewmake; sister, Alice Faye Tipton; and nephew, Mike Hill. Survivors include his wife, Brenda Burns Shewmake of Northport, Ala.; sons, Brett Shewmake (Melanie) of Northport, Ala. and Chad Shewmake (Jessica) of Meridian, Miss.; grandchildren, Maggie, Mac, Mary, Alexa and Afton Shewmake; niece, Rhonda Woolbright; and nephew, Mark Hill (Deanna). J.W. was an amazing husband, father, uncle, friend, neighbor and Papa. He was the friendliest person who never met a stranger. His smile and laugh were infectious. You could not help but be filled with joy with him around. He was an avid fisherman, loved Alabama football and spent much of his time playing with his grandchildren. He was a devoted husband to Brenda since Valentine's Day 46 years ago. He adored his sons and would beam when talking about them and his five grandchildren. He was just filled with happiness and loved life. We can only imagine how brightly he is smiling now. Pallbearers will be Bob Hale, Pat Latham, Andy Simmons, Robert Malone, John Powell, Donny Lake, Phillip Mitchum and Scott Mitchum. Honorary pallbearers are Johnny Clark, Gary Boone, Mike Redding, L & L Marine family, Glenn Crow and Northport Auto Supply employees, neighbors of Royal Oak Circle, friends of Shiloh, Ralph and Jena communities, and all of the lifelong fisherman of West Alabama. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Shiloh Baptist Cemetery Fund and Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children.