Leland “Jim” Lauderdale (January 07, 1939 - January 06, 2025)

In loving memory of
Leland “Jim” Lauderdale
  • January 07, 1939
  • -
  • January 06, 2025

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Obituary

Leland Emmett “Jim” Lauderdale, age 85, of Summerfield, Florida was called home on January 6, 2025, after a brief illness.  Born in 1939 to the late John and Lula (Creamer) Lauderdale of Opa-Locka, Florida. He grew up between two military air bases which inspired his dream of becoming a pilot.  He joined the US Air Force (Strategic Air Command) where he acquired his aircraft mechanical skills. Later he would trade aircraft mechanical work at a local private airport for flight time towards his pilot’s license. After much hard work and determination, he secured his license and was hired by Eastern Airlines.  After 25 years he retired as a Captain on his favorite aircraft, the Boeing 727.

 He enjoyed flying, riding his airboat, hunting, fishing, horses, college football, camping and the company of family and friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his daughter Catherine and grandson Cody of North Carolina.  He is survived by his loving wife Linda, sister Lethia (Jane) Davenport (Pembroke Pines), daughters Deborrah (Ocala) and Martha (North Carolina), grandchildren Luke, Janee, Brittnay, Mark Jr., Austin and Grayson and great grandson Brick, nieces and nephews.
Please join us on Friday January 17, 2025, at Grace Baptist Church, 10835 SE 70th Avenue, Belleview, Florida (352-245-9252). Visitation begins at 10:00 and service at 10:30 followed by interment at the National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida.
In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the American Cancer Society.
“It is impossible to forget someone who gave us so much to remember”

Arrangements entrusted with BALDWIN BROTHERS Funeral & Cremation Society-Spanish Springs, 352-430-1449.  Sentiments are encouraged at www.baldwincremation.com.

 

Service

Location:
Grace Baptist Church
10835 SE 70th Avenue, Belleview

Date & Time:
January 17, 2025 at 10:30 AM


Cemetery:
Florida National Cemetery
Bushnell, Florida



Visitation

Times:
January 17, 2025



Location:
Grace Baptist Church
10835 SE 70th Avenue, Belleview


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Tribute Wall

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  1. BarryKreager says:
    16 Jan 2025
    Although I met Jim only a few years ago, I feel like I’ve known him all my life. His stories, friendship and sense of humor is already missed. There is no doubt, he has a good place with the big guy. Rest high on that mountain my friend, until we meet again.

  2. Barry Kreager lit a candle:
    16 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 16, 2025 at 1:37:43 PM

  3. Barry Kreager says:
    16 Jan 2025
    Although we met only a few years ago, I felt like I knew you all of my life. Your friendship, stories and sense of humor are already missed. I have no doubt, you have a good spot with the big guy! Rest high on that mountain my friend, until we meet again.

  4. Sheldon & Sandra McCartney says:
    16 Jan 2025
    Jim, you were a great inspiration to Sandy throughout your life. You and Linda were instrumental in our move to the Ocala area. I'm sure God will welcome you with open arms.

  5. Sheldon & Sandra McCartney says:
    16 Jan 2025
    Rest in peace, Jim. You were a great inspiration to Sandy throughout your life. Both you and Linda were instrumental in our relocation to the Ocala area. I'm sure God will welcome you with open arms.

  6. Joanna Bray lit a candle:
    16 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 16, 2025 at 1:43:23 AM

  7. Flip Pallot says:
    16 Jan 2025
    So Long, Jimmy…I’ll catch your hounds.
    Ever Your Friend, Flip

  8. Steve Fredriksen lit a candle:
    14 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 14, 2025 at 1:08:51 PM

  9. Steve Fredriksen says:
    14 Jan 2025
    Jim was one of my first friends I met here in OBH, many years ago. He was always riding his bike and always stopped to visit and tell me a joke. I lost my wife in 2005 and he always tried to cheer me up. Such a nice and pleasant man. RIP Jim...I'm sure you'll be floating in the beautiful clouds looking down on us. Will miss you dearly.
    Steve Fredriksen ( Goat man)

  10. Lois Desparte says:
    12 Jan 2025
    Mike and I loved you “Mad Dog “ and you will be greatly missed. We will never forget the great times with you and Linda. Rest in peace our friend!

  11. Joe Riveira lit a candle:
    10 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 10, 2025 at 1:52:49 PM

  12. Vincent and Gaia Pellino says:
    10 Jan 2025
    We are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Linda and family. He will be missed…

  13. Gary Haywood says:
    10 Jan 2025
    Sure will miss our golf cart rides picking up the signs for the meeting's.

  14. Mr Mrs Flip Pallot lit a candle:
    10 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 10, 2025 at 1:43:07 PM

  15. Mr Mrs Flip Pallot lit a candle:
    10 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 10, 2025 at 1:42:11 PM

  16. Natalie Carroll says:
    09 Jan 2025
    Mr. Lauderdale 'Poppy' will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Jim and Dave shared a deep patriotism, love for our Lord and the love of mechanics and 'Poppy' became much like a father figure to Dave over the years and took the rest of our family in as part of his own. Jim and Dave shared many conversations, airboat rides and hours together in eachother's shops, swapping stories and knowledge. We are thankful for blessed assurance, knowing that he is whole and with our Lord and that we will see him again some day.

    Our thoughts are prayers are with Linda and the entire family.

  17. Beverly Drake says:
    09 Jan 2025
    We were so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Over the last couple of years, Jim reached out to my husband, after a long time of being out of touch. Jim was a first cousin to my husband, Homer (Buddy) Drake. My mother-in-law, Auline Josie, was a sister to Jim's dear mother. They were very close even though they lived in different states. We had many enjoyable visits over the years with her and her family. Jim was a wonderful man and was always dedicated to his family. He will be missed. We pray for his dear wife, Linda, for his children and grandchildren, and for his sister, Jane. May the peace of God flood their hearts during this time of sadness.
    In I Thessalonians 4:13-18, we read "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
    With loving sympathy,
    Beverly Drake

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