James A. Hankins Jr.

January 11, 1940 ~ August 3, 2023 James “Sonny” Arvol Hankins, Jr. passed away on August 3, 2023. He was born in Jefferson County, AL on January 11, 1940 to parents James A. Hankins, Sr. and Sarah (Jones) Hankins. He attended Birmingham city schools graduating from Hueytown High School in 1958. He then went on to graduate from the University of Montevallo with a Bachelor's degree. In November of 1962, he married Katie Sue McCravy. They were parents of three sons and were married for 53 years at the time of her death. He also completed a Master’s degree from the University of Alabama. James was employed with the Jefferson County Board of Education as a teacher and principal, primarily at Woodward Elementary, and retired after more than 30 years of service. After retirement and moving to Jasper, AL, he volunteered at Walker Baptist Medical Center. He volunteered for almost 15 years, volunteering more than 3500 hours of his time. James was an avid woodworker, making many different pieces of furniture and toys. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. James is predeceased by his parents, wife Katie, and son David A. Hankins. He is survived by two sons and their spouses- Jimmy and Tracy Hankins, Steve and Sherry Hankins, and daughter-in-law Laura Hankins. Grandchildren; Jay (Casey) Hankins, Debbie (Jonas) Nix, Sam, Olivia and Natalie Hankins. Four great- grandchildren River Thomas, Tenleigh Hankins, Barrett and Cohen Nix. He is also survived by two sisters, Maurene (Sarah) Davis and Geraldine Jones. Funeral services will be at Patterson-Forest Grove Funeral Home, Pleasant Grove, AL on Wednesday, August 9 at 2:00 P.M.. Visitation will begin at 1:00. Burial will follow at Forest Grove Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Cancer Research Hospital; Fairy Dogmother Rescue and Rehab in Baileyton, AL; or your favorite charity.