Dr. James "Doc" S. Ferguson
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Dr. James S. "Doc" Ferguson, former director of University of Alabama "Million Dollar Band" and the"Pride of the South Marching Band" at the University of Mississippi passed away at the age of 85 on March 17, 2021. At the time of his death heresided in Woodstock, Georgia with his wife, Micki, his puppies, Gracie andLucy and his beloved backyard full of cypress trees, catalpa trees, and bluebirds. Jim was born November 24, 1935. He was preceded in death by his father,Verell Pennington Ferguson and his mother, Ruth Smith Ferguson in Columbus,Mississippi. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Verell Pennington"VP" Ferguson, Jr. and his sister Betty Ferguson Allen. His is survived by his wife Micki Ferguson,his son James Smith Ferguson, Jr and his wife, Victoria Fisher Ferguson andtheir two children, Jack Fisher Ferguson and Max Pennington Ferguson. Son RobertAlexander Ferguson. Stepchildren, Travis and Shana Childress and Robert andSunshyne Pothier. His is also survived by two step grandchildren LoreleiPothier and Carter James Pothier. Therewill be a celebration of his life later when it is safe to do so.He graduated from S.S. Lee High School in 1953. He earned his B.A.degree from the University of Mississippi in 1956. He entered the teachingprofession by taking a position as Director of Bands, Pontotoc Mississippi HighSchool in 1957 followed by his position as Band Director at Marks MississippiHigh School 1958-1960 and H.V. Cooper High School Band in Vicksburg, Mississippi1961-1963. He received his Master ofMusic Degree in 1965 and his Doctor of Music Education in 1966. From 1966 - 1970 Jim was the Director ofBands and Full Professor at The University of Mississippi. Then he became theDirector of Bands and Full Professor at the University of Alabama from 1971through1983. After retiring from band directing, Jim started Datron SoftwareServices in Birmingham, Alabama. In 1992he moved to New Orleans, Louisiana with Micki and their blended family andobtained his Master of Social Work degree.When the family moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 1996, Jim worked as anOracle DBA and Data Analyst, before retiring once again in 2011 to enjoy natureand create musical projects. Jimremained an ardent student of all subjects for his lifetime. In the weeks preceding his death he haddecided he was going to learn to play piano like Dr. John. He was doing very well on the piece, "Just aCloser Walk with Thee."In his childhood he played daily on the Toby Tubby and the LuxapalilaCreeks near Columbus. He was a dedicatedteacher, pilot, a sailor, and a wonderful father, friend and life companion.When he retired in 2011 he began in earnest his devotion to his beloved backyardbluebirds and his puppies. He often saidhe wanted to talk to the animals like Tarzan did. Gracie and Lucy listeneddevotedly to every word he said. I believe the bluebirds were listening in hisbackyard. Perhaps he's flying over the rainbow with bluebirds right now, as heoften said he wanted to do.In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Audubon Societyat https://www.audubon.org. Condolences can be left for the family at www.GeorgiaFuneralCare.com