In loving memory of James Earl Seybold Jr.

Obituary

James E. Seybold Jr., 86, of Naples FL passed away peacefully on Friday August 9, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.

James graduated from Collingswood NJ high school in 1957. He enlisted in the Army after graduation and served his country for 9 years. He purchased and drove a tanker truck until he realized he missed being away from his family. He was then employed as a body shop mechanic at Mr. Softee Ice Cream Company until he moved his family from Haddon Heights NJ to Fort Myers Beach FL in early 1976. He worked at the Coca Cola bottling plant for many years until his children grew up and he then moved to Naples FL before eventually creating his own home watch / handyman business, to which he serviced his clients up to a few days before his passing.

James’ life was lived by the highest of principles. He believed in the value of honesty, doing the right thing, and had the highest work ethic (which was passed along to his son and daughter!). These rare values were evident in every aspect of his life, from the way he approached his career to the love and care he showed to his children, grandchildren, friends and clients. His dedication to his work, even up to his last days, was matched only by his commitment to his family. He was always the guy who was available to help a neighbor in need, whether it was to help them move furniture, check a leaking pipe, or change the blades on their ceiling fan. He was the greatest role model and always demonstrated the highest standard of true character. His dedication to his family was his uppermost priority, and he was a beacon of love and support for his children through the good and bad times, one of the many reasons that his legacy will forever live on through his family.

He also enjoyed life to the fullest, even when things got difficult in the last year and a half of his life. He enjoyed his annual trip with his childhood buddies from NJ, heading to Carlisle PA for the auto parts outdoor yard sale. He had a passion for woodworking and was in the final stages of making custom cornhole boards for both his son and son-in law. He was a thoughtful, caring and kind man. He also was very easy to get along with. He spent many weekends at his son and daughter-in-laws house…sharing a few beers and some crab claws, and staying out late to go 4 wheeling with the guys! He also loved spending time with his daughter the last year and a half throughout his health journey and even began to enjoy their trips to his doctor appointments! He liked his weekend trips with his kids when he was unable to go it alone, most recently going to the annual big-rig truck show in Wildwood FL. He loved spending Thanksgiving dinner at his nieces house each year and being spoiled rotten! He never lost his sense of humor and was even cracking jokes with his son-in- law in the last few hours of his life. He would tell his daughter that he had no regrets in life and if he had a chance to do it all over again, he wouldn’t change a thing. He had the best outlook on life and always told us as he struggled, “it could be worse”. Not once did he complain. He was truly one of the bravest men in the world.

He is survived by his son Matt (Jen), daughter Mary (Tim) and grandchildren Alex, Beau, Brooke (Trent), Madison, Kylie (Brandon) and Morgan. He was a mere 7 weeks away from being a first time great-grandfather as well! He took great pleasure in watching all his family members grow and succeed and this also gave him a sense of comfort and ease in his last days.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Lillian Seybold, father, James E. Seybold, and younger brother, Ronald L. Seybold.

Our family extends our deepest gratitude to all of James’ friends, neighbors and clients that kept in touch with my brother and myself through this journey (Tim, Ken, Susan, Cheryl, Jodi), but mostly for standing by his side through his blessed and full life. Your support was invaluable to him and he truly cherished the relationships that were built and the memories that were made with each and every one of you.

A Celebration of Life will held Saturday October 26, 2024 at Antilles Clubhouse, 155 Indies Drive East, Naples, FL 34114 between 2:00 and 5:00 pm. Please check back on website for more details/information.