By Staff
Senior Living
(This week The Atmore Advance spotlights James Amerson, 69, who has been a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Bratt.)
Q: When and where were you born?
A: I was born on Feb. 4, 1937 in Bratt, Fla.
Q: Who were your parents?
A: R.P. (Rob) and Lottie (Wiggins) Amerson.
Q: How long were they married?
A: I really don't know. Mom died when I was 19. That was back in 1956.
Q: Do you have any brothers or sisters?
A: I had five brothers and each one of my brothers had a sister.
Q: What are their names?
A: Vera, R.J., Pete, Jerald, Leo, James and baby brother, Dewey.
Q: Are they still living?
A: Vera, Pete, Jerald died several years ago. R.J. and myself live in Bratt, Leo lives in Canoe, AL, Baby brother Dewey lives is Stapleton, AL.
Q: Where did you attend high school and/or college?
A: I attended Bratt High School thru the 9th grade. While I was attending Bratt High School, the County moved the High School to Ernest Ward High School at Walnut Hill. After high school I went to Faulkner College for almost two years.
I was in the United States Air Force from 1955-59. I served in Japan, Okinawa and South Korea.
Q: How did your family travel when you were younger?
A: Mule and wagon, Pop finally got an old 1946 Chevie Truck, with a standard transmission and no air conditioner. He bought it in 1953.
Q: Do you remember the first vehicle you bought?
A: It was a 1959 Oldsmobile. I bought it in Clovis, New Mexico.
Q: What jobs have you held?
A: Roofing houses for a few years and then got a job at the St. Regis Bag Plant, Graphics Department, Cantonment, Fla., where I retired a couple of years back.
Q: Did you ever marry?
A: Yep. I don't remember how we met other than we were neighbors. I have been married almost all of my life, been married longer than being single. I have been married for 48 wonderful years to the former Betty O. York.
Q: Do you have any children or grandchildren?
A: We have three sons, Rick and Andy, who are both retired from United States Air Force and live in Bratt and our youngest Gary, is still in United States Air Force. He hopes to retire in three years with 27 years of service.
We also have seven grandchildren – five grandsons and two granddaughters.
Q: Where do you attend church?
A: Bratt First Baptist Church
Q: Are you involved in any activities at church?
A: I am our Sunday School class secretary and have helped in repairing and rebuilding the church.
Q: What keeps you busy these days?
A: Gardening and working at the church.
Q: Have you traveled much?
A: I did a little traveling with a pop up camper, then and old RV.
Q: Where have you travelled to?
A: California, Washington State, Niagara Falls, New York and Canada. We've also visited New York City and Washington D.C.
Q: Do you still like to travel?
A: Not much.
Q: What is your favorite television show?
A: "Gaither Homecoming," "CSI," and "NCIS". I mostly watch baseball and some football NASCAR.
Q: What advice can you give on staying healthy?
A: Don't smoke, don't drink alcohol and stay active both physically and mentally.
A good mental exercise is reading the Bible and helping at church as much as possible.
(If you would like to recommend a senior to be spotlighted please contact Stacie Cofield at 368-2123 or e-mail her at composing@atmoreadvance.com)