James Edward (Jim) Lay

Born June 21, 1947, Deceased April 2, 2023

James (Jim) Edward Lay, 75, of Daytona Beach, Florida, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully in his home on April 2, 2023.

Jim, a native Floridian, was born in Lakeland on June 21, 1947, to Floyd and Laretha Lay, who preceded him in death. After a family move to Gainesville, Florida in 1962, Jim attended and graduated from Gainesville High School where he enjoyed playing football and developing lifelong friendships. He stayed in touch with many high school friends and enjoyed attending several reunions. Jim was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Gainesville and was a man of faith.

He enlisted into the U.S. Air Force following his high school graduation and was part of the "Strategic Air Command" during the Vietnam War in the years of 1966 – 1969. His Air Force service was a very proud part of his life. When Jim completed his service, he attended Santa Fe Community College and then began a long career in automotive sales.

Jim was passionate about airplanes, especially B-52s, cars, racing, music, orchids, nature, photography, and especially blueberry hushpuppies! He was a gentle and generous man who deeply loved his family and was a humble friend to so many.

Jim lived in Daytona Beach from the early eighties when he enjoyed living on the ocean and then moved to his condo on the Intercoastal River where he lived for the past thirty years. He loved to watch the boats on the river and the planes/rockets in the sky.

Jim is survived by his two sisters, Sandra Lay Bowden of Vero Beach, FL and Sharon Lay Perdue (David) of Alpharetta, Ga. He was "Uncle Jim" and "Uncle" to his 2 nieces and 2 nephews, Lindsey Perdue Hanekom (Gerhardt), Deborah Bowden Terry (Bill), Michael Perdue and Rob Bowden (Linda) as well as his great nieces and nephews: Anne Marie, Evelyn, Faith, Vivien, Conner and Tyler. He was greatly loved by all.

A Celebration of Life service will be held April 13, 2023, 11 a.m. at Lohman's Funeral Home, 733 W. Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL. Pastor John Gill of Tomoka United Methodist Church, Ormond Beach, will officiate the service.