Local educator, former Andalusia city councilman passes away at 78

Dr. James Krudop, a lifelong resident of Andalusia, a longtime educator at LBW Community College and a former city councilman, passed away on Friday, April 4, at the age of 78.

A 1965 graduate of Andalusia High School, Krudop spent 50 years as an educator, including 40 years at LBW. Dr. Krudop earned his bachelor’s degree at Auburn University and then earned a master’s degree and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree from the University of Alabama.

He began his career teaching Speech and English courses at Andalusia High School before going to the University of Alabama for graduate studies. After earning his master’s and doctorate degrees, he accepted the position of director of school relations at Birmingham-Southern College in 1974.  He joined the LBW staff as dean of students in 1978.

During his time at LBW, Krudop served in a variety of executive level positions in instruction, finance, and institutional advancement. He served as interim president on two occasions and was the second-in-command for many years. He retired from LBW in 2018. In honor of his service, he was designated vice-president emeritus of LBW by the Alabama Community College System.

“Jim was a very dedicated and loyal employee of LBW,” said Seth Hammett, former college president. “During the  time I served as president, he was my right-hand man. I could tell Jim what we should do, and I never had to think about it again. He would get it done.

“He was always a real pleasure to work with. He did a lot of work that the people didn’t recognize as his work, or have forgotten that he did. He loved not only LBW, his God, and his family, but he also loved Andalusia, and worked to make it a better place.”

In addition to his contributions in education, Dr. Krudop served two terms as a member of the Andalusia City Council, from 1980 to 1988. Andalusia Mayor Earl Johnson knew Krudop since the two were 5-years-old and were classmates in AHS’s Class of 1965. Johnson ordered that flags in the city be flown at half-staff in honor of Krudop.

“We went through East Three Notch Elementary together; we went through high school together; and when we went to Auburn, we lived on the same hall,” Johnson said.

Both returned to their hometown to pursue careers.

“Jimmy Krudop was one of  the most straight-arrow guys I’ve ever known,” Johnson said. “He always tried to make things better. He was a smart guy, a community leader, a leader in his profession, and an all-around good person. I never had a better friend.”

Krudop was an active member and volunteer with a variety of local organizations, including the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce, the Andalusia High School Scholarship Foundation, Andalusia Health Services Board, and the LBW Foundation. He was also involved in other state and national organizations, including serving on the board of Camp ASCAA.

Krudop also is remembered as an outstanding Rotarian, who had served as president of both the Andalusia and Greenville Rotary clubs, and had been active at the district level, as well.

“Jim was perhaps the best Rotarian in our club,” Johnson said. “Even after his health declined and it was too difficult for him to attend weekly meetings in person, he participated through Zoom weekly, up until two days before he passed.”

Krudop helped carry on an Andalusia Rotary Club tradition begun by his father, Bellaire Krudop, at Christmas, when club members bring gifts to exchange. When the senior Krudop began the tradition, he would bring items like fresh greens or pepper sauce.

In addition, Krudop was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Andalusia.

Dr. Krudop is survived by his wife of 54 years, Hollace Moore Krudop, and two children, Dr. Ashley Krudop Powell and Dr. Hadyn Krudop Swecker.

A funeral service for Dr. Krudop was held Tuesday, April 8, with a graveside service following at Andalusia Memorial Cemetery. For more details see today’s obituaries on Page 3.