Charles William "Rock" James

Charles William James “Rock” Charles William James “Rock” completed his life’s journey and entered glory smiling on August 27, 2025. The family asks that everyone wears their Alabama colors. He was preceded in death by his father, Norman James; mother, Lorene Willis James; brother, Carl James and wife Judy James(JoAnn James); and sister, Ruth Ann Kimbrough (O’dell Kimbrough). He is survived by his one true love and cherished wife of sixty-one years, Phyllis Nolen James; daughters Melanie Oaks (Tim Oaks), Beth Rhea (Barry Rhea), Stacie Bendall (Brian Bendall), and Brittany Faulkner (Jake Faulkner); sons Charlton James (Denise James) and Kelby James (Audra James); brothers Howard James (Brenda James), Tommy James (Ruthie James), Bobby James (Jan James), and Johnny James (Ruby James); brother in laws Tim Nolen and Terry Nolen(Darlene Poe) and countless nieces and nephews. Charlie would be the first to tell you that he is also survived by seventeen grandchildren, twenty six great grandchildren… and one on the way. A dedicated provider, Charlie began his working life chopping cotton at five years old while attending Rockwood School, later graduating from Russellville High School in 1961. Over the years he worked as a bricklayer, bread truck operator, and mobile home repairman, but he spent the majority of his career at Reynolds/Wise Alloys on the scrap docks and hotline. In spite of countless midnight shifts, Charlie never let work interfere with his role as a devoted father and grandfather. He never missed a practice, ball game, play, or concert—and he never missed an opportunity to proudly tell anyone nearby that was his daughter, son, grandson, granddaughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, niece, nephew, or neighbor out there on the field or up there on the stage. Upon retirement, Charlie became a beloved fixture at Slick Rock Campground on Cedar Creek, where he camped with his wife “Philly,” cheered on the Alabama Crimson Tide and Atlanta Braves, watched countless westerns, caught and cooked countless fish, made countless friends, and told the same few stories countless times. A faithful member of Isbell Methodist Church, Charlie lived his faith daily. He believed firmly in his salvation through Jesus Christ and in the abundant grace available to all who believe. The family extends their deepest gratitude to the many care providers who attended to Charlie in recent years, with special thanks to caregiver and dear friend Dr. Heather Haley. Services will be held Friday, August 29, 2025, at Spry Funeral Home in Russellville. Visitation will be from 12–2 p.m., with the funeral service immediately following, led by Michael Cole. Pallbearers: Will Stults, Catlin Stults, Kelby James, Konner Bendall, Barry Rhea, Tim Oaks, David Nolen, and Rodney Dodd. Honorary Pallbearers: Brian Bendall, Dalton Stults, Chad Herring, Kody Ortiz, Jake Faulkner, Dakota Demastus, Jake Tompkins, and Patrick Morrison.

Charles William "Rock" James

December 22, 1942 - August 27, 2025

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