Obituary of James "Jim" Gary

Mr. James “Jim” Gary, 87, passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2020, at Creekside Villas in Waynesville, North Carolina. Mr. Gary was born March 27, 1933 in Newport News, Virginia to James and Viola (Thompson) Gary, Sr. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Peggy W. Gary, who passed away March 26, 2016. Jim is survived by his 2 sons - James Russell Gary of Telico Plains, Tennessee and Jeffrey Thomas Gary and his wife Shelda, of Polk City, Florida; daughter Julie Gary Katt and her husband Harold, of Maggie Valley, North Carolina; 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Jim was a Merchant Marine in his younger years and then joined the United States Navy, then transferred to the United States Air Force and was a Combat Controller. Jim served in the Korean Conflict and did multiple tours of Vietnam. He retired from the United States Air Force with over 20 years of decorated service, most of those years as a Combat Controller. He was involved in the Combat Control Association for years after his retirement.

He was a Building Inspector for Polk County and retired as the Chief Building Official. He became the Building Official for the City of Winter Haven and finished his career as a Building Inspector with the City of Auburndale.

He enjoyed Civil War reenacting, camping, traveling, North Carolina mountains and spending time with his family & friends.

He attended the First Missionary Baptist Church of Auburndale, Florida and sang in the church choir for many years.

The family extends warm gratitude to the caregivers at Creekside Villas for the excellent love and care they extended.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Gary’s name can be sent to; Creekside Villas Activity Fund, c/o Judy Mills. 465 Boyd Avenue, Waynesville, North Carolina 28786.

A gathering of family and friends will be held Thursday, October 1st from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Kersey Funeral Home, 108 Lake Stella Drive, Auburndale. Full Military Honors be held at 5:30pm at the funeral home.