Jimmy Lee Poole

On the morning of May 19, 2024, Jimmy Lee “Fat Jaws” Poole quietly answered the call of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was born on October 24, 1940, the son of Melvin and Carrie Poole.

He attended Oakland Elementary and West End High School. In 1964, he enlisted into the United States Army, where he was stationed in Copenhagen, Denmark. In 1966 he received an honorable discharge. Jim married Vivian “Cookie” Rivers, and on June 1,2024, they would have celebrated 58 years of marriage. Aman with an impeccable work ethic was employed with Tennessee Valley Authority in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, for 27 years, retiring at the age of 53. After retiring, he spent his time working and helping at the church he loved so dearly.

He was a member of Tennessee Valley Community Church and Center. Trustee Board member, usher and custodian are just a few of the capacities he worked with. He enjoyed being a part of the International Council of Community Churches, traveling across country to attend many summer conferences. In 2004, he received the International Council of Community Churches Key Layperson of the Year award. Jim and Cookie were blessed with two children, Gwen and Juan. Years later, they were blessed with a granddaughter, Staysha, who they lovingly raised. She was his “Scooter”. He was a blessed “Papa” to two granddaughters, Shay, and Janae; two grandsons, J. J., and Devin; and one great-granddaughter, Madalynn.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Carrie Poole; brothers, Charles Woods and John Benny Poole; sisters, Rachel Poole and Ella Mae Alexander; nephews, Ramono Poole and Wayne Woods; and niece, Stephanie Irons.
He is survived by: his loving and devoted wife, Cookie; children, Gwen and Juan (Tammy); grandchildren, Staysha, Shay, J.J. Devin, and Janae; one great-granddaughter, Maddie; siblings, Mildred Poole and Lawrence (Jackie)Poole; sister-in-law, Josephine Woods; many other cousins, relatives, friends; and the Tennessee Valley Community
Church family.

May his soul rest in eternal peace and may the cherished memories bring comfort to all that loved him.

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