James (Jim) Rudolph Wideman
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James (Jim) Rudolph Wideman, 91, of Farragut, TN, went home to be with his Lord Sunday, November 29, 2020.
Jim was born October 23, 1929 in Jefferson County, AL to John Hastle Wideman and Bessie Lillie Summerlin. He graduated with honors from the Army Air Forces Technical School in 1947 and was later stationed in the Marshall Islands where he served in communications. He began his post-military career working for an insurance company in Birmingham, AL. There he met Lois McAnnally, the love of his life and wife of 67 years. Soon after, he began a long career in sales for various railroad companies. He and Lois started a family in Midfield, AL, later moving to Jacksonville, FL and Chattanooga, TN where he retired with Norfolk Southern Railway. They spent most of their retirement years in Garden City and Cullman, AL, moving to Farragut, TN in 2014 to be near a daughter and 3 grandchildren.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, John D, Richard D and Robert C Wideman; sisters, Jewel C Higgenbotham and Linda J LaRocque; son-in-law, Bruce Alan Russell, Jr.; wife Ruby Lois (McAnnally) Wideman.
He is survived by daughters, Cynthia Russell of Farragut, TN and Vickie (Jeff) England of Glencoe, IL; grandchildren Bruce (Chelsea) Russell, III, Kathryn Russell, Bradford Russell, Philip England, Patrick England, George England; brother Carl T (Vera) Wideman; many dear nieces and nephews.
Jim was a devoted and loving husband, father, brother and friend. He was a great source of encouragement to his younger siblings. He was also a faithful member of several Baptist church congregations, most recently Northbrook Baptist Church, Cullman, AL.
He loved his family and friends, but most of all, he loved his wife and soulmate, Lois. His favorite place and favorite time was at home with her. The highlight of his Fall was watching the Alabama Crimson Tide play football. The highlight of his Spring and Summer was Atlanta Braves baseball. After spending 20 years on the road as a traveling salesman, he wasn't particularly fond of recreational travel, however he did enjoy visiting friends and family in the southeast and southwest. Later in life he and Lois discovered the joy of cruising, taking several Caribbean cruises and particularly enjoying one through the Panama Canal.
"I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4
A graveside service will be held Friday, December 11 at 1:00 p.m. at Garden City Cemetery, Garden City, Alabama with Wade Maynard of Northbrook Baptist Church officiating.
If you would like to make a memorial contribution, the family has requested the following organization: Northbrook Baptist Church, The Caring Center, 3691 AL Highway 157, Cullman, AL 35058