James Walter Funk's Obituary
James Funk, 72, of North Fort Myers, Florida, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 26, 2013, following a lengthy illness. Born in Charleston, West Virginia he lived his early years in St. Albans, West Virginia and Scotch Plains, New Jersey and resided in North Fort Myers since 1977.Jim was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Fort Myers where he enthusiastically assisted with activities including rummage sales and church dinners. Early in his career Jim worked for an oil distributor in New Jersey and later in Florida for Red Lobster Restaurant. Over the years and, especially, since retirement Jim volunteered his time to Goodwill Industries and Habitat for Humanity. He was a regular blood donor at Lee Memorial Hospital, giving well over 10 gallons of blood over the years. This past winter he was recognized for his many hours of service to Habitat for Humanity and received the Good Citizen Award from Good Wheels for his volunteer work for the community. Additionally, Jim enjoyed music, videos, reading, biking, bowling and playing baseball. He was a frequent traveler on Lee Tran and memorized all of the bus routes and schedules. Jim will long be remembered for his compassionate nature and concern for others.Although developmentally disabled, Jim was blessed with loving parents, grandparents and extended family that ensured he received appropriate training and was surrounded by a loving and caring community. Since 1990, Jim lived in a group home provided by LARC where his caregivers, including Vickie Chapman (residential director), Laurie Shears (present home manager), Ernest “Bodie” McMillian (former home manager), Daphne Rice, Wendy Mead, Darrell Chelf, Jami Curran, and Johniece Diaz, provided a nurturing environment and high quality of life for Jim and his cherished housemates. Friends also ensured that Jim always had transportation to church and to various events, often taking him to dinner and baseball games.Jim was predeceased by his parents, Gregory and Virginia Funk. He leaves behind his brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Barbara Funk of East Granby, Connecticut; nephews and nieces, Todd and Michelle Funk of Falls Church, Virginia, Troy Funk of Simsbury, Connecticut, Tyler and Meg Funk of Granby, Connecticut; and grandnieces, Madeline and Kimberly Funk of Falls Church. Jim will be greatly missed by all including his Uncle Joe and Aunt Norma Wilson of Warren, Ohio and his many cousins who always provided loving support. Jim was especially thankful for the adventures and wonderful times he had with his cousins, Mark and Jewel Reed from West Virginia.In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial gift to LARC, 2570 Hanson Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901 or to First United Methodist Church of Fort Myers, 2466 First Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901.Calling hours (9:30am to 11:00am) and the funeral service to follow will be held on Wednesday, October 30th at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 1589 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33907 (239-936-0555). Burial will be at Red Rock Cemetery in Rowlesburg, West Virginia on Saturday, November 2nd.
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