Jim was born on January 13, 1949 in Rockingham, North Carolina. He is survived by his mother, Mary Dell Ingram of West Point, Georgia; He was preceded in death by his father, James Carl Ingram, Sr.
Jim graduated from Albemarle High School of Albermarle, North Carolina in 1967 and was named “Most Influential Superlative”. He studied at Pembroke University and Lubbock Christian University before transferring to Auburn University. At Auburn, he majored in History and then graduated in 1971 with a degree in Political Science. He was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity.
Upon graduating, Jim took a job with a Boston jeweler as Regional Manager over leased jewelry departments in large stores spanning throughout Virginia to Texas before opening Ingram Jewelers, a family- owned business. Jim then attended jewelry school in New York and California where he became a Certified Appraiser and Master Jeweler. Ingram Jewelers grew into 3 locations in, Lanett, Alabama, Downtown LaGrange, Georgia and LaGrange Mall. Jim was very active in the Alabama Jewelers Association and Jewelers of America. He served in various leadership roles including 2 years as President of Alabama Jewelers and as Executive Director for many terms.
Having a soft heart for animals, Jim served on the Board of Directors to the Chattahoochee Humane Society for several years. Jim loved and cared for many pets during his lifetime.
Jim was the first Republican elected to the Chambers County Commission in 100 years. He served as an Alternate Delegate in the 1988 campaign to elect George W. Bush, Sr. He attended the Republican National Convention in New Orleans.
Politics rekindled an interest in law school and Jim commuted to Montgomery, Alabama to attend Thomas Goode Jones School of Law. He graduated in 1992 and was a founding member of the Delta Law Fraternity.
Following his law school graduation, he began practicing law in Chambers County, Alabama and ultimately closed the family's jewelry stores as his parents retired.
In January, 2008, Jim became a member of the staff of the Chambers County Drug Court, a new program formed to address the problems faced by those who have been arrested as a result of their struggles with addiction. Jim poured his heart and soul into representing his clients in this program, and spent many hours advocating for them and encouraging them to make the changes necessary to gain sobriety and recovery. He often told his friends and associates that it was one of the most worthwhile things that he had ever done. Jim continued to practice law until 2017 when he suddenly fell ill.
Mrs. Mary Dell Ingram wishes to express her heartfelt gratitude to Beth Hill, Jim’s companion. In addition, special thanks are extended Dr. Mandy Reimer, Dr. Edie Graves and Compassus Hospice team for their commitments to Jim's healthcare throughout his illness.