James (Jimmy) Michael Underwood, a resident of Fairhope, Alabama, passed away on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at the age of 36. He is survived by his wife, Malana, and his children: Kyleigh, Elena, Aislin, Liam, Eowyn, and Iorek. He is also survived by his extended family in North Alabama and Birmingham, including his parents’ The Underwood’s, as well as the Ragan’s.
Jimmy loved to fish, cook on his grill, watch Alabama football, listen to music, play video games, and read. Most of all he loved to spend time with his family. Jimmy worked with Human Resources for over 10 years. Jimmy served in the Army National guard where he did one tour in Afghanistan and one in Iraq. Jimmy held many military honors including the Purple Heart.
The family will receive friends on Friday, September 22, 2023, at Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road in Daphne, AL. There will be a time for family and friends to gather for a memorial visitation at 11:30AM. Military Honors will be at the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spanish Fort, AL, and will take place at 2PM.
If you would like to help the family financially with funeral expenses, you may go to the link below to “Fund The Funeral” site
https://fundthefuneral.com/james-michael-underwood
Expressions of condolences for the family may be made at www.hughesfh.com. Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family.
Please accept our deepest heartfelt condolences on the loss of your loved one. I served with James with Team Vandal while in Iraq. He was a great Soldier/Warrior and friend. It was my privilege and honor to have served with and along side of him.
Respectfully and sincerely,
SGM (Retired) William S. & Margaret Green
God’s speed brother. It was an honor to serve with you.
I was honored to call James my friend and work with him closely. He was that special friend you could always count on. Words cannot express how much Mike and I will miss you.
Dear Mrs. Underwood and Family,
My name is Michael Conte and I had the wonderful opportunity to work with your husband and father for the past two years, and we became friends instantly. James, and another colleague of ours, Ruth Melendez had an instant connection with your husband and father. We referred to our small, private group as “The Tripod”. We shared a lot of stories with each another, and he always talked about how proud he was of his wonderful family, and how lucky he was. We also shared some conversations with each other that were private, but we knew that we could also all count on each other for advice, and to listen to one another without any judgement. James was great at his job, and he helped many of our colleagues become better at their job, and the tasks that they were assigned. I, for one, and am extremely grateful that he taught me many of the steps and processes for external hiring. Ruth, James and I would always share pictures of our families with one another, and he was proud of each of his children, and would often share many stories about their accomplishments. It was great to listen and hear the pride in his voice.
James was also proud of his cooking and grilling and smoking meats. I could go on and on for hours the conversations that we had, and the preparations he discussed to make some delicious BBQ. One time, he said that he was going to smoke some ribs over the weekend. I said that it sounded wonderful, and that I would get a rack of ribs and place them in our crockpot. James became super quiet…….crickets, and then all of a sudden he said to me “Mikey, please don’t ever let me hear that you’ll be placing rib’s into a crockpot!” We both started cracking up and laughing on how to make a delicious meal that was not needed for a crockpot.
I will miss talking to him on a daily basis, and my family and I are so incredibly sorry for your loss, and words cannot express how much love, thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. If there’s anything that my family and I can do, please don’t hesitate to ask. My number is (856) 371-4067. James also wasn’t a colleague, as I thought of him as the brother that I never had, but always wanted.
With much love and our deepest sympathy,
Michael, Shannon, Julia and Michael Conte
Cinnaminson, NJ
Good bye battle buddy, you will be missed but not forgotten. You were a good soldier and it was an honor to serve with you.
My deepest condolences Mrs. Underwood, children, and family/friends.
James and I worked closely together the beginning of this year on a special work assignment that was only entrusted to 3 staff, to which I had the honor of working alongside this gentle giant! There were evenings, I would hear the children rumbling in the background, and I remember the way he would model patience and kindness in his interactions! People who worked with him and knew him well, referred to him as a gentle giant because of the way he carried himself. He earned much respect and admiration! James was such a gentle soul, and I am truly sorry for your lost. As a mother of 3 children myself, I am here, willing to help/support in any way I can, in honor of James. Please, know that we are all connected and holding you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. When you are ready, call or text, My number is 267.474.8992.
Jimmy my second Son! I have known you since 6th grade. You and Daniel were the best of friends. Ya’ll were brothers. You always had a way of being there for us through thick and thin. Your laughter and smiles are the happiest of times for all of us. I am so proud and thankful having you in our lives.. until we meet again, I Love You Always and Forever…
I am a Supervisor in Human Resources with the IRS. I did not know James personally and while it is difficult to lose a loved one, please know that in the short time James was with our organization, he was considered family and he will be missed. God bless you all and keep you.