In Loving Memory of Jim

1950 – 2025

Age 74

Jim was born in 1950 in Flagstaff, Arizona to James Albert and Jacqueline Louise. He was one of five children: Tom, Jim, Mike, Mary Lou, and Chris. Jim was a twin—and he and his brother Mike shared a special bond from birth. In 1963, the family moved to Tempe, Arizona. It was there that Jim met his other “brother” and lifelong friend Michael Roach. 

After graduating from Tempe High School in 1968, Jim joined the United States Navy, where he served until 1971. Upon returning home, he graduated from Arizona State University, studying Criminology.

Jim met his wife Laura in 1973 and they married in 1976. They made their home in Arizona until 1980, when they relocated to Washington State. After the birth of their daughter Summer in 1985, Jim built a log home by hand and grew 40 acres of land into a housing development that he named Summer Hills.

In 2001, the family moved to Florida, where Jim retired as a probation and parole officer in 2012. He spent his retirement doing what he loved most: boating, riding his motorcycle, and spending time with his beloved dogs. Jim also had a deep love of travel, always eager to explore new places, meet new people, and embrace the adventure of the journey.

He loved the good things in life.

Miller High Life. A day out on the boat. The freedom of riding motorcycles with the wind in his face. The thrill of a little sports car with just enough horsepower to make him grin.

And when it came to boating, Jim wasn’t just along for the ride—he was the “boat master” of the sandbar. That was his kingdom. If you were lucky enough to be there with him, you saw him in his element: happy, confident, fully alive.

On the water, Jim would take out the water skis or the inner tube keeping one eye on the rope, the other on the rider—just waiting for the thumbs-up signal to go faster. And he always did. He loved that rush, that rebellion, that thrill of movement and joy. He had a playful wild streak, a love of speed, and a spirit that never really followed the rules—not when there was fun to be had.

But even now, even in this silence, his presence remains—

in laughter shared,

in the roar of a boat engine,

in the memory of a dog resting at his feet,

and in every moment when the sun hits the water just right.

We love you, Jim.

We’ll carry you with us—always.

Jim is survived by his wife Laura, daughter Summer, brother(s) Chris, Michael, and sisters Mary Lou, Melia, and Paula.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Pet Pal Animal Shelter

https://petpalanimalshelter.n…

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