James “Jim” Howard Golden, Jr.

“Paw Paw”
9/17/1943 – 1/11/2025
Jim was born September 17, 1943, in Montgomery, Alabama to James (Sr) and Gladys Golden. He grew up in Selma, Alabama with his two sisters Linda and Janice.
He enlisted in the Air Force directly from high school. He served for 7 years and then transitioned to a Civil Service job for the Department of Defense. He retired from the Pensacola Naval Air Station as the Director of the Communications Department.
About a year after joining the military, he married his sweetheart Cathy Lee Cooper, with whom he had a son, Brian and daughter, Sarah.
He had a strong Christian faith and instilled these beliefs in his children. A true patriarch, he said grace before every family meal and at the end of our gatherings he would hold his finger in the air and say, “I deem it a good day!” He really enjoyed time spent with family, especially after grandchildren came along! He and Cathy enjoyed traveling when they were able and had many adventures. Recently, he most enjoyed long talks and walks down memory lane about these adventures with his wife. He was also very much a gun enthusiast.
He was generous and willing to help anyone in need. He gave to just about any charity that approached him, anyone on the side of the road and bought anything a kid was selling.
As mentioned, he was a Christian (Baptist). He was also a proud American, Republican and an active member of the NRA.
He died at home on January 11, 2025, at the age of 81. As he predicted, his death came almost exactly 6 months after his life-long love and wife of nearly 62 years passed away.
He is survived by his two children: Brian Golden and Sarah Oden (Allen) and loved like a son James Ward, as well as four grandchildren: Patrick Golden, Asa Ward, Ashley Ward and Aaron Ward. He is also survived by one of his sisters, Janice Sherman.
He is proceeded in death by his beloved wife Cathy, his parents and his sister Linda Hamm.
He was loved deeply and will be missed deeply.
Services will be held Thursday, January 16, 2025 at Charter Funeral Home. A visitation will be held at 5 p.m. followed by a service at 6 p.m. Brother Charles “Charlie” Longshore will be officiating.
Golden Family: Sorry for your loss. May faith be with you through this.
Love Helen & Susan Moore