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James (Jimmy) Dean entered the gracious home of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the early morning hours of February 22, 2020.

He was born on June 27, 1966 in Atmore, to Shelvia Keel Dean and Robert Earl Dean.

He attended Escambia County High School, where he lettered in baseball and football. He was a member of the 1983 state championship football team. The Blue Devils went 13-2 that season to take the 3A state title, an accomplishment that Jimmy was forever proud to be a part.

After graduating in the spring of 1984, Jimmy pursued a collegiate baseball career that began at Patrick Henry Junior College, where he led the team in hitting his freshman year. He then transferred to the University of Montevallo for a short time before finishing his career at Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM). He was named Offensive Player of the Year while at AUM.

Jimmy was a respected law enforcement officer with over 25 years of experience, serving the city of Atmore, the state of Alabama and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. In 1995, he became a graduate of the Alabama State Trooper Academy Class 94-A. He served the State of Alabama for 22 years, retiring in 2016. Shortly following his retirement, he continued to serve his community as a Tribal Police Officer with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.

Jimmy played many roles in many lives. Aside from his role within his family, Jimmy was a friend, coach and servant of God, something he proclaimed until his death. His personality, selflessness and genuine care for others attracted so many over the years. His ability to make people laugh will forever be remembered. The stories are endless and will forever be held dear to our hearts. 

Jimmy is preceded in death by his father, Robert Earl Dean; maternal grandmother and grandfather, Carolyn Louise Keel and J.C. Keel; paternal grandmother and grandfather, Edna Earl Sadler and Robert Comer Sadler Jr.; daughter, Maggie Pearl Caraway; and father in law, John A. McGhee.

He is survived by his mother, Shelvia Keel Dean of Atmore; one brother, Ricky Dean of Atmore; one sister, Jena (Perry) Duke of Mobile; wife, Kimberly Dean of Atmore; three sons, Jon (Malori) Dean of Atmore, James (Emily) Dean of Atmore and Mason (Catie) Dean of Atmore; one daughter, Miranda (Brandon) Hudson of Atmore; two grandchildren, Porter James Dean and Carson Elizabeth Johnson, both of Atmore; and numerous other extended family members, close friends, and his Alabama State Trooper Family.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow, Thursday, February 27, 2020, at 10 a.m. at the McCullough Christian Center with the Rev. Josh Long and Bro. Don Davis officiating.

Burial will follow at Serenity Garden Cemetery.

Visitation will be held today, Wednesday, February 26, 2020 from 6-9 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Doug Darby, John Fields, Willie Locke, Brian McGill, John Stallworth, Justin Williams, Craig Helton and Norman McCallister.

Honorary pallbearers will be the Poarch Creek Tribal Police Department and all other Law Enforcement and First Responders.

Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes LLC of Atmore is in charge of all arrangements.