James Hart Obituary

Coach Jim Hart, devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025 in a Pensacola hospital surrounded by the family he so loved. He was 74 years old.
Jim, or Jimmy as he was known in his younger years, was a native of Evergreen, AL. Some of his teenage years were spent in Luverne, AL and Elba, AL as his dad was also a well-respected coach in those communities. Jim graduated from Evergreen High School in 1969 and then attended Auburn University, graduating in 1973. During these years, friendships were created that he treasured during his entire lifetime. Later that summer he married his high school sweetheart Nancy. They would have celebrated their 52 nd anniversary in a few weeks.
Other than the birth of his children and grandchildren one of the happiest days of his life was when Coach Frank Cotten visited with him and asked if he would like to come to Brewton and coach at T.R. Miller High School. That began a career he loved and enjoyed for 37 years.
He coached multiple sports, primarily as an assistant in football and was the head baseball coach for 23 years. There are no words to fully express how much he cherished the multitude of professional and personal relationships created during this time, not only with fellow coaches but students/athletes who became close friends with him in their adult lives.
Jim always had a very strong faith and recognized God's goodness in his life. His greatest blessings were his children, John and Kelly, and he excelled in his role as their father. His greatest "honor" was to be called "DD" by his four grandchildren whom he loved dearly.
Having been an avid sportsman during his lifetime that enjoyment was enhanced when he retired in 2015. He loved the freedom of being able to just go to "the camp", hunt, fish, and especially play golf with his favorite buddies whenever and watching his favorite Auburn tigers.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Wendall Hart, Sr. and Jerry Goodwin Hart.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy Barron Hart of Brewton, AL; his children John (Gina) Hart of Brewton, AL and Kelly (Jake) Adams of Pensacola, FL; his grandchildren, Troy Hart, Miller Hart, Ella Adams and Ivey Adams; his sister Becky (Jack) O'Neil.
A private family memorial service is being planned with an informal "Celebration of Life" to be held on Saturday July 19 th, with arrangements to be announced soon.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to the Leah Brundidge Scholarship, 22 nd State Bank in Brewton, AL or the Donnie Rotch Scholarship Fund at Trustmark National Bank, c/o Tripp Owens.
Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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