James F. "Jimmy" Eberhart Jr.

James Fred “Jimmy” Eberhart, Jr., age 86, of Fort Payne, passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2015 at DeKalb Regional Medical Center. He was born on January 10, 1929 to the late James Fred Eberhart and Sarah Emma Fannin Eberhart. He was a lifelong resident of Fort Payne where he was a faithful member of St. Philips Episcopal Church and held prior membership in the First United Methodist Church in Fort Payne. He was a Korean War Veteran and had a distinguished career in the National Guard serving for over 40 years in company “C” of the 151st Engineer Combat Battalion in Fort Payne, retiring in 1989 as a Chief Warrant Officer. His business career began at an early age working with his father at Eberhart & Durham Motor Company in Fort Payne, a Buick and Willy’s automotive dealer. After his honorable discharge from active duty from the Korean War in 1952, he worked for the Alabama Army National Guard in Fort Payne until he began his banking career. First Federal Savings and Loan Association of DeKalb County opened its doors for business on May 3, 1965 and his leadership led the successful growth of the bank through many transitions in the banking industry, including a recent charter and name change. He was Chairman of the Board of Directors of First Fidelity Bank (formerly First Federal Bank) at the time of his death with over 50 years of service. During his tenure in banking, he was involved in many civic and charitable organizations including the United Givers Fund of DeKalb County, Rotary Club, Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce, and the Fort Payne Industrial Development Board. He made significant contributions to the development of business and industry in Fort Payne during his tenure on the Industrial Development Board where he served as a board member for 42 years and as chairman for the past 12 years. He is survived by his wife, Dean Fritz Eberhart; son, Stephen K. (Brenda) Eberhart; step-children, Neil (Vickie) Fritz , Terri (Rushton) McClees, Lisa (Steve) McDonough, and Stephanie Fritz; brothers, Roland (Jane) Eberhart, Zack (Polly) Eberhart, and Norman (Linda) Eberhart; sister, JoAnn Maupin; grandchildren, Misty (Eric) Bruce, Alison (Scott) Barber, Chad (Sherra) Fritz, Amanda (Ben) Croft; Conor McDonough, Christopher McDonough, Sarah McClees, Addison McBryer and Ian McBryer and great-grandchildren, Bailee Bruce, Brody Bruce, Landry Grace Barber, Kaleb Fritz, Aubrey Fritz, and Brayden Croft. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Carolyn Jean Kellett Eberhart and son, James Fred Eberhart, III; sisters, Lavonne Maddox, Evelyn Eberhart, and Nellie Ethyl Eberhart. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 4 until 6 p.m. at Wilson Funeral Home. At 6 p.m., those who would like to gather in the Chapel, please plan to stay and informally share stories and memories of Jimmy and his life. Funeral services will 2 p.m. Saturday, May 23rd at First United Methodist Church in Fort Payne with the Rev. Judith Comer and Rev. Ricky Smith officiating. Serving as pallbearers are: Jeffrey Eberhart, Tim Eberhart, Eric Bruce, Scott Barber, Steve McDonough; Rushton McClees, Marty McBrayer, and Matt Satcher and as Honorary Pallbearers, the members of Company “C”, 151st Engineer Battalion, Fort Payne, AL. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to First United Methodist Church, 206 Grand Avenue NW, Fort Payne, AL 35967; St. Philips Episcopal Church, 2813 Godfrey Avenue North, Fort Payne, AL 35967 or a charity of your choice. Wilson Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

James F. "Jimmy" Eberhart Jr.

January 10, 1929 - May 19, 2015