Jimmie Van Valkenburgh

Jimmie Alice Bullock Van Valkenburgh, known affectionately to many as Jimmie, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026. She was born on July 31, 1946, grew up in Skinnerton, Alabama and graduated from Beatrice High School.

She was a proud graduate of Auburn University, where she earned her Master’s Degree in Education and met her husband, Joe. In their early years of marriage, they lived in Huntsville and Montgomery, Alabama and after starting their family, they made their home in Gulf Shores. Her teaching career spanned 36 years in public schools, influencing countless young minds, with the last 20 years devoted to the Gulf Shores community. Her commitment to education was unwavering, and she cared deeply for her students.

Beyond the classroom, she was known as the salt of the earth. A woman of loyalty, meticulousness, and sound judgment. Her love of gardening was well known. She was an active member of the Gulf Shores Garden Club, the Gulf Shores Beautification Board, and earned the prestigious Baldwin County Master Gardeners’ highest honor after completing more than 1,000 volunteer hours. Her green thumb and passion for plants and flowers brought joy not only to her own garden but also to those around her.

She was a devoted family woman who treasured time with her grandchildren, embracing the role of “Mimi” with great pride and affection. She was a constant and loving presence in her grandchildren’s lives, always attending their performances and sporting events whenever she could. She was equally committed to her church and community, serving faithfully as a longtime greeter and secretary at First Baptist Church in Gulf Shores with a quiet strength that inspired all who knew her.

Jimmie is survived by her daughter, Stacey (Justin) Bullen; her son, Joseph Bradley (Luciene) Van Valkenburgh IV; and her beloved grandchildren, Ann Margaret and Brooks Bullen. She is also survived by her sisters, Sue Wiggins (Jimmy) Spivey and Sheliah Wiggins (John Crum) Sessions; her sisters-in-law, Julia Van Valkenburgh Tate, Cathy Pearsall Van Valkenburgh; and her brother-in-law Charles Nicholas (Ronda) Van Valkenburgh; and nieces and nephews.

Jimmie was predeceased by her husband, Joseph Bradley Van Valkenburgh III, and her brothers and sisters, James Morgan Wiggins III, Rodney Stacey Bullock, Robert Samuel Wiggins, Lucy Wiggins Colson, and Rebecca Elizabeth Wiggins.

Her legacy of faith, service, and love for family and community will be cherished by all who knew her. Jimmie truly lived a full and meaningful life. She was a dear friend, a devoted gardening companion, a respected teaching colleague, and a huge Auburn fan. Her love for God, her family, and her friends was at the center of who she was. Jimmie will be remembered with deep affection and lasting joy by all whose lives she touched.

Arrangements to celebrate the life of Jimmie will be held on Thursday, March 26, at First Baptist Church in Gulf Shores.

 A private burial will be held for the family, followed by a visitation at 10:00 a.m. and a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. 

Lunch will follow in Founders Hall at the church. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Missions Ministry of First Baptist Church of Gulf Shores, 2200 West 1st Street, Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542.