Mr. James Austin Christian, age 83 of Vernon, AL, passed away Sunday, December 27, 2015, at Fayette Medical Center.

Mr. Christian was born May 3, 1932, in Lamar Co., AL, to the late G.E. and Jodie Christian. He joined the Air Force right after high school where he served eight years as a Master Sergeant Flight Mechanic. Mr. Christian then followed in his father's footsteps and went to work for the U.S. Post Office where he retired after 22 years. During that time, he became a member of the National Guard until he retired with 42 years of military service. Being a man who always kept busy, Mr. Christian then helped founded the Shop & Save Groceries. Working in the produce department was his favorite part of the store and talking with the customers always made his day. He was a member of the First Baptist Church and he had a love for horses which he passed down to his children and grandchildren. Mr. Christian was also preceded in death by his eight brothers, Collie Christian, Hubert Christian, Tom Christian, Ellis Christian, Jack Christian, Bill Christian, Lynwood Christian, and an infant brother; his sister, Archevia Phillips; and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Reynold and Kathryn Cooper.

Funeral services will be Wednesday at 2:00 at the First Baptist Church of Vernon with David Woods, Benton Goodman, and Clyde Stevens officiating. Burial will follow at Vernon City Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday 12-2 at the church prior to the service.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Lou Christian of Vernon, AL; his son, Wayne (Deborah) Christian of Vernon, AL; his daughter, Kathy (Gary) Turman of Vernon, AL; four grandchildren, Alex Christian, Matt (Summer) Christian, Chase (Courtney) Christian, and Jessica Turman, all of Vernon, AL; two great-grandchildren, Aleigh Brooke Christian and Slate Christian; and two caretakers, Audean Corkren and Shannon Hardy.