Obituary
James Thomas Humphries II, PhD, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather went home to his Lord and Savior on Friday, July 15th, 2022 surrounded by his wife, his two step-daughters, and his best friend. Born on September 22, 1946 in Coaldale, Pennsylvania, Jim’s family relocated to Miami, Florida when he was a child. Upon graduation from high school, Jim attended the University of Miami on a full four year vocal scholarship. A gifted tenor, Jim loved singing at his church and especially to his wife, Brenda. Jim joined the United States Navy where he proudly served his country for 10 years. After being honorably discharged, Jim attended Southern Illinois University where he earned his Master’s Degree and PhD. While a professor at Southern Illinois University, Jim authored two text books on industrial electronics.
An extremely gifted teacher, Jim taught at Santa Fe College in Gainesville, Florida and in later years he taught higher math and religion at St. John Lutheran School here in Ocala. Jim and his wife, Brenda had a very successful consulting business for over twenty years working with law enforcement agencies throughout the State of Florida. A man with a keen intellect, who was conversant in history, science, mathematics, computer technology, and theology, Jim possessed a very dry wit! Jim was a man of many loves and interests. He loved his Lord, his wife Brenda, his family, his many friends, teaching God’s word and going to the beach. Teaching the Bible was one of his chief loves and he loved to debate the Bible to his Lutheran brothers every Tuesday morning and he taught a Thursday Night Bible Study Group for almost twenty years! He was an active member of Trinity Baptist Church Ocala, Florida.
Jim is survived by his wife, Brenda Willingham Humphries; his three sons, Jimmy (Amber), Mike (Stacey), and Johnny (Amberley); two step-daughters, Nina E. Stokes (Chuck), and Becky A. Edrington. His 14 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren kept him on his toes especially trying to get some of them through math. He was pre-deceased by his parents James and Marie Humphries and step-daughter, Sherry Edrington Wolf.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Trinity Baptist Church located at 1600 SE 58th Avenue, Ocala, Florida at 2:00 pm Tuesday, July 19th, 2022. Services will be officiated by Pastor Andy Newsome and Pastor Jim Grasty.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baldwin Brothers Heritage Place Chapel, 954 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Suite 200, Ocala, FL 34470.
Online Condolences as well as fond memories may be shared with his family by visiting www.BaldwinCremation.com
Jim singing with Kurt during session on the floor of the Florida House of Representatives.
I loved hearing his wonderful voice in our choir.
Love you, brother! See you in Heaven when I get there!