James Merril Lashley Jr

James Lashley, better known as Jimmy, Coach Jim or Papa Jim, passed away on Friday, January 16 at Huntsville Hospital. He was 74 years old. Jim was born and raised in Talladega, AL. He moved to Guntersville in 1980 to work for the Guntersville Electric Board. It was in Guntersville where he met Ginger Moore and they were married in 1984. He worked throughout the Southeast as a lineman and retired after thirty-three years with Cullman Electric Cooperative in 2017. He loved all sports and coached baseball through the Guntersville Recreation Department for over twenty years. Jim especially loved watching his children and grandchildren play sports. He was also a huge Alabama football fan and enjoyed attending games as a faithful fan. Jim was a NHRA drag racer for many years in the “Stock” category. He won both Regional and National titles. Some of his most prized possessions were his NHRA “Wally’s” trophies from competition wins. His other hobbies included building and re- building model trains, an interest he picked up from his father. He was the proudest of his large railroad display at his home, something that drew lots of interest from his grandchildren. Jim is survived by Ginger, his sons, Jason Moore (Jennifer), Trey Lashley (Tiffany), and his daughter, Mallory Johns (Brook), his grandchildren, Kendall and Jackson Moore, Mila Lashley and Steely and Sweeny Johns. He is also survived by his mother, Ruth, of Talladega, and his brother, Bobby (Rebecca) of Woodstock, GA, a brother-in-law, Roger Mahan, a sister-in-law, Donna Lashley, a nephew, Morgan Lashley and a niece, Madeline Lashley, and his beloved pets. Jim was proceeded in death, by his father, James Merril Lashley, Sr. and his brother, Larry Lashley, both of Talladega. The family is grateful for the special care he received over the years from his friends, Dr. John Boggess, Donna McCoy and Carolyn Mason, and the nurses and staff at Encompass in Huntsville, AL. Guntersville Memorial Chapel is directing the service, which will be held on Friday, January 23 rd . The Pallbearers will be Jason Moore, Trey Lashley, Brook Johns, Jackson Moore, Morgan Lashley and Philip Mayer. Flowers accepted or donations in Jim’s honor can be sent to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or by phone to 1-800-805-5856.

James Merril Lashley Jr

October 17, 1951 - January 17, 2026