James Spell

James Whitfield Spell, Sr.
(Born November 16, 1934 - Deceased July 28, 2021)
James Whitfield Spell, Sr., "Jim", 86 y.o. went to his heavenly home on July 28, 2021. His family members, relatives, and wonderful neighbors were present in love and support. He is preceded in death by his wife, Jane, in 2018. Jim was born in Panama City, Florida. Raised by his parents: James Langdon Spell of Bonifay, Florida, and Ruth Julia Scott of Montgomery, Alabama. Jim graduated from Holmes County High School on June 3, 1952. He attended Chipola Junior College, graduated in 1954, and earned an Associate in Arts Degree in Business Marketing with a special interest in Photography. Enlisted in the United States Air Force and served as an "Airman First Class", Radio Operator, from 1954 to 1957. He was stationed in Montauk Point, Long Island, New York. There, he met the love of his life, Sarah Jane Leddy. They got married on July 9th, 1957, moved to Florida to raise a family of four children, and a loving marriage of 60-years.
Attending Florida State University in 1957-58, he studied in Photography and Business. In 1972-73, James attended Rollins College to study Real Estate, Principles and Practices. His career began in Bonifay, Florida, as a photographer. The family, then, moved to Orlando as Jim became a Marketing Manager for Champaigne Color. Promoted to Executive Manager and National Salesman for Colorcraft Corporation in Durham, North Carolina. In 1982, the family moved back to Central Florida, Jim continued to work in photography sales for Phototron. During his retirement years, he developed his own business called "Image Marketing" sponsored by trusted friend and colleague Mark Skaggs of Albertsons.
Personal interests included: Choir Director for the First Baptist Church in Bonifay, Fl.; was of the Baptist Faith; enjoyed painting, gardening, photography, car detailing, and loved the family pets. Started the "Eastern Dune Buggy Association" (EDBA) in 1970, for which he published the EDBA - Dune Buggy News Magazine. Many off-road races were sponsored and reported in the EDBA magazines (1970-1975). Jim was an advocate and supporter for "Wildlife and Environmental Conservation".
Surviving children: Julia Spell (Phil Price); Jimmy W. Spell, Jr., Walter R. Spell (Valerie Mcabee), Kimberly R. Spell (Gale Vincent). Grand-children: Daniel, Mary, Andrew Price. First Cousin: Colonel Glenn Scott, U.S. Army Retiree, Destin, FL; Relative: Max Fulford, Tallahassee, FL.

A "Celebration of Life" for James W. Spell, Sr. will be at the Highland Funeral Home and Memory Gardens on August 7, 2021 at ten o-clock in the morning, (10:00 a.m.); Interment following. Located at: 3329 E. Semoran Blvd, Apopka, FL 32703.

Donations accepted towards the VITAS Foundation, 2201 Lucien Way, Suite 100, Maitland, FL 32751. Condolences may be sent to Highlands Funeral Home or to the family's home address: 1585 Majestic Oak Drive, Apopka, Fl 32712.

Thank you and God Bless You.