James W. “Jimmy” Rayfield Jr., 64, son of James “Billy” Rayfield (deceased) and Margaret Rayfield of Union Springs, Ala. died Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at home in Prattville, Ala. following a lengthy illness.
Jimmy was an entrepreneur in property development in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, including Magnolia Key Townhomes and Main Street Family Fun Mall.
He was an avid outdoorsman, fisherman, boater (U.S. Coast Guard captain), and general aviation pilot. He learned to fly at age 21 while a student at the University of Alabama, his alma mater.
He was a founding brother (Badge No. 78) and lifelong supporter of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, and, of course, Alabama football.
“Big Jim” never met a stranger, enjoyed laughter, good stories and personal creativity. He was, as friends have said, one of the smartest people they had met. He loved his family and his dogs.
Survivors include his wife, Shirley; his devoted mother, Margaret; loving son, Jamison of Orlando, Fla.; loving sister, Linda Young (David) of Orange Beach; and niece, Holly Marie Bowman; as well as fraternity brothers and relatives from the Rayfield and Trammell families.
Jim was proud of his Southern heritage. His lineage included a great-great-great-great-grandfather who served in the 1776 American Revolutionary War (Trammell), great-great-great-grandfather in the Confederate States of America (Maj. Meadows from Alabama), and his father, who served in World War II.
He collected and restored antique furniture.
He leaves a legacy of Trammell Family Farm Inc., which has been in the family since 1900, and will continue to remain for the use and enjoyment of future generations of Trammell decedents who gather annually at the farm to strengthen family.
He leaves numerous lifelong friends in Montgomery, Birmingham and Gulf Shores, who are deeply saddened at his passing.
In accordance with his wishes, future memorial services will include scattering his ashes in Gulf Shores. A marker will be placed beside his father at First Methodist Church in Old Spring Hill, Ala.
Memorial contributions to recognize his life and friendships may be made to the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity Building Fund, Alabama Alpha Chapter, P.O. Box 11122, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.
Arrangements by Southern Memorial Funeral Home, Montgomery.
