James Edward McCurley was born in Opp, Alabama, in 1944. His father served as a local pastor and farmer, while his mother worked as a homemaker and textile worker. He grew up on a family farm, learning the value of hard work alongside his five siblings in the Blue Springs area. In 1962, he graduated from Covington County High School with honors. He joined the US Army shortly afterward, entering Flight School and becoming the youngest Warrant Officer and helicopter pilot at 19. He served his first tour of duty in Germany and was later called to the Vietnam War.
Returning from Vietnam, James worked as a civilian flight instructor at Fort Rucker, commuting from Opp to be with his family. He and his wife, Diann, became active members of the Opp community, joining the Opp Country Club and the First Baptist Church. James taught the Royal Ambassadors every Wednesday night, guiding the youth through faith and character-building activities.
In 1973, James joined Air America Airlines, Inc., operated by the CIA. He flew combat and reconnaissance missions across Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Air America pilots were instrumental in search-and-rescue operations. James’ family accompanied him to Southeast Asia, where they resided in Udorn, Thailand, and Saigon, Vietnam.
After returning to Opp, James earned an MS degree from Troy State University. He was hired as a supervisor for Zippy Mart, Inc., overseeing 13 convenience stores across three states. His community engagement flourished through corporate philanthropy, leading to the organization of the Special Olympics in Covington County. He secured sponsorships from Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Golden Flake, among others, and organized a charity golf tournament at LBW Community College. He raised $9,000 for special-needs children and was named Supervisor of the Year in 1986.
Following a career change after Zippy Mart’s acquisition, James pursued a master’s in education. Allen Miller, superintendent of Opp City Schools, encouraged him to teach parenting classes for young mothers. He provided daily instruction on course work and essential life skills, helping the women with budgeting and meal preparation. When the Micolas Mills closed, James taught night classes for displaced workers seeking their GEDs, preparing for college exams, or learning to read.
James then joined Covington County Schools full-time, supervising Adult Education, Community Education, and the New & Related Services section of the JTPA (Jobs Training Program of Alabama). He aided teenagers in job placement, offered resume help, and arranged interviews, earning the Outstanding JTPA Program award in 1995-1996. His Adult Education program won statewide recognition as Alabama’s best in 2001.
After adult education programs transitioned to colleges, James taught at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College. In 2005, he partnered with Crossover Recovery Ministry to start its first GED classes and persuaded the college to collaborate. He volunteered many hours at Crossover, sharing his resources generously.
James left an indelible mark on disadvantaged community members, offering hope and confidence to countless individuals in Opp, Alabama. His commitment to education and community development transformed lives through his compassionate guidance. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2024.
