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James Monroe “Jim” Sanders, 87, of Henderson, passed away Monday, November 18, 2019, surrounded by family. He was a graduate of Goshen High School before enlisting in the Korean War as a cryptographer. He talked often about the travels and sights he enjoyed during R&R. Upon his return to the states, he married Louise Sanders (Richburg), and attended Troy University,graduating with a major in math, and double minors in business administration and science. He and Louise moved to Florida, then Texas, where he began an exciting career at NASA managing interesting, sophisticated, cutting-edge technology projects. These were exciting times and events, mankind was at the forefront of space exploration and Jim Sanders was in the midst of it all. He was, however, always very humble and never one to talk of his achievements. Ever-competitive, he excelled at everything he set his mind to – golfer, little league coach, pilot, farmer, provider, and friend.

Jim never lost his love for Alabama. He was planning his retirement all those years, as he was always very thorough, buying land, equipment and setting himself and Louise up for their eventual return. They built the house they designed themselves, knowing what they wanted, where and how big each room would be, all just like they wanted and doing much of the work themselves, with the help of family and friends.

Jim Sanders was a straight shooter, a man of many talents, a bit of a daredevil, with a heart of gold. He loved soft peppermints, a good puzzle, beating guys half his age in golf, nightly chats with his pets, and spending time with his family.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Ivey Lois Johnson Sanders; father, Julius Gilbert Sanders; mother, Lillian Elaine Johnson Sanders; Issac Sanders; Irene Sanders; Trammel Sanders; Mary Folmar; JR Sanders; Perry Sanders; Will Sanders; Herman Sanders; and Walter Sanders.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Louise R. Sanders of Henderson; children, Dina Bosley of Montgomery; Terry Sanders (Elizabeth) of Houston; Randy Sanders (Jana) of Weatherford, Texas; grandchildren, Makenzie Drew (Daniel) of Deatsville, Paige Sanders of Austin, Texas; great-grandchild, Avery James Drew of Deatsville; siblings, Frances Tidwell of Troy, Jinene Drinkard of Palmyra, Oscar Sanders (Patsy) of Goshen, Aline Garrett (Chester) of Troy, Bessie Lou Grissett (James) of Springhill, Sara Taylor (Larry) of Panama City, Florida, Ned Sanders (Nancy) of Goshen, Ted Sanders of Goshen, Elaine Wells (Butch) of Palmyra; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family – who will all miss his steady presence dearly, but are so proud of the man he was and the life he lived.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2019 at 2 p.m. at Glenwood United Methodist Church with the Rev. John Whitfield, Rev. Michael Cobb, and Rev. Bobby Weeks officiating and Dillard Funeral Home of Troy directing. Interment will follow in Green Hills Memorial Park with Dillard Funeral Home of Troy directing. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2019, from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. at Glenwood United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Glenwood United Methodist Church: 222 W Dyer Street, Glenwood, AL 36034; a local animal shelter; or your favorite charity.

To sign the online guest register please visit our website at www.dillardfh.com