Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
FUNERAL HOME
James DeFoor Obituary
Realtor
LAKELAND - Mr. James Allison "Al" DeFoor, Sr., 80, died on May 5, 2009 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center of complications from Alzheimer's disease.
He was born December 4, 1928 in Atlanta, Georgia. He was a lightweight Golden Glove Champion for the State of Florida in 1946 and 1947. Mr. DeFoor was a graduate of O.C.S. and served in the United States Army in the Ranger Company of the 101st Airborne Division during the Korean Conflict as a Second Lieutenant. He graduated from the University of Miami where he was a member of the Phi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He was of the Episcopal faith.
Mr. DeFoor was predeceased by brothers, Charles W. DeFoor, Jr. and Morgan Lewis DeFoor. Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Shirley Scarborough DeFoor, Lakeland, sons, The Reverend Doctor James Allison (Terry) DeFoor, II, Crawfordville, Fl., Stephen Charles DeFoor, Lakeland, daughter, Sheila Keen DeFoor, Orlando, Fl., 5 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and brother, Leonard M. (Mary Ann) DeFoor, Atlanta, Ga.
Memorial services will be held on May 8, 2009 at 11:30 AM at St. David's Episcopal Church, 145 E. Edgewood Drive, Lakeland, Florida. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association-Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, 1131 First Street South, Winter Haven, Florida 33880 or to the Peace River Center, P.O. Box 1559, Bartow, Florida 33831. Arrangements by Heath Funeral Chapel.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James DeFoor
Gail Champagne
May 15, 2009
Dear Shirley,
It was good to finally talk with you this evening. I was broken hearted when I heard of Al's passing, though I know he is in heaven, and no longer in pain. I'll bet he is making God Himself laugh with his unmistakable sense of humor. Al had a smile that would light up a room, and I never heard him speak a cross word. In fact, he is one of the most gentle and compassionate people I have ever known, and the both of you were always so genuine, and down to earth. I met you and Uncle Al when I was only seven years old, and had lost my own father at age five as you know. Al was always like a father to me, and I used to wish he really was my dad. In fact, I have always referred to you and Al as my "second parents". You welcomed me as a small child into your home and never turned me away when I crossed the hedges from my house to yours, seeking refuge, or simply wanting to visit. The big Oak tree in the front of your yard used to be one of my favorite places to play. Knowing how I loved to climb that tree, and bounce on the one branch that impeded your driveway, Al would not cut down that limb as long as I lived next door, despite its' inconvenience to him. And as I grew up, anytime I came into town you would warmly welcome me back. I so regret not getting down to Lakeland to see you and Al again much sooner. I will always be sorry for that. I know that I will see Al again some day in heaven, and that I will see you Shirley, much sooner here on earth! My heart and prayers are with you. If there is anything I can do to help in this time of need, please do not hesitate to call me. Really. I love you and want to be there for you if ever I can. Take this time to rest and rejuvenate and take care of yourself now. I know you have been taking care of Al for several years. So relax and pamper Shirley -- you deserve it and Al would want it that way. I am sure he is smiling on you from above, where he undoubtedly has a place of honor for the kindness he displayed here down below. You both will forever have a special place in my heart, and Al will be deeply missed. God bless you. I love you,
Gail Guerrieri-Champagne
Gail Shiver
May 12, 2009
Dear Shirley,
I am truly sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Gail (Kelley) Shiver
Harold Shuler
May 12, 2009
My condolences to the family from a part of a Ranger band of brothers. 11th Company
Lance Penn
May 11, 2009
Aunt Shirley,
I am so sorry to hear of Al's passing. I can vividly remember when Al would give me boxing lessons as a youngster. I will never forget him! You both brought so much fun and love to the Penn family and for that I will always "Thank You!"
Time, as always will lesson the pain I feel for you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are always with you. God Bless.
Pat Penn Meier
May 10, 2009
Shirley, So very sorry to hear of your loss. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gene and Jo Cochran
May 10, 2009
May 10, 2009
Sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers
are with you.
Diane Penn Jordan
May 8, 2009
Dearest Shirley, I was devastated to hear of Uncle Al's passing. He has been the apple of my eye since I was flower girl in your wedding. I have wonderful memories of you both. Uncle Al will be greatly missed and always adored.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and family during this very difficult time.
Ferrin Hicks
May 8, 2009
Dear Shirley and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts go with you, during your days of distress, and rememberances.
Your High School friend,
Ferrin Hicks
God will have a very good person for his army.
Ken Sharp
May 7, 2009
Shirley, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Danielle Massey-Hunter
May 7, 2009
Aunt Shirley,
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. I know that Uncle Al is in a better place and free of pain. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers and that we love you very much.
Love The Kelly, Danielle & Kenna Hunter
Sandy Johnston
May 6, 2009
Shirley :
I was so sorry to see of Al's passing online ! But You can be sure He is in a much better place and resting now !!
Hugs
Sandy Johnston
May 6, 2009
Shirley - Mary and I are so sorry to hear of Al's passing. I know that you have lost the love of your life, your partner and best friend. We send our deepest sympathy and prayers to you and your family at this time.
In God's love - Mary and Dick Sargent
Greenville, SC
Sara Ann & Lloyd Ruff
May 6, 2009
Dear Shirley,
I am so sorry to hear about Al. I know this has been a very hard year for you. You will be in our prayers daily. Love you.
Willie Prescott
May 6, 2009
Dear Shirley,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family at this time of your great loss. My prayers will be with you.
Russell Hess
May 6, 2009
Ranger you will missed by everyone and how about saving us a tee time in heaven. Shirley, I am truly sorry for your loss as Al was a great guy.
Dolores Degnan
May 6, 2009
My sympathy to you and your family. I know this is a great loss for you. I hope and pray all goes well for you.
Roger Sherman
May 6, 2009
Sincerest condolences for your loss, Shirley, we love you.
George & Jeannette Cody
May 6, 2009
Shirley, our prayers are with you. We cannot be there but will remember Al as a good friend. We all have some great memories.
Barbara Smith (Ratner)
May 6, 2009
Shirley - my condolences to you and all your family.
Jim and Betty Harrison
May 6, 2009
Dear Family: Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you in the loss of Al. His many friends will always carry with them his warm smile and the honor of having known him.
Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results
Make a Donation
in James DeFoor's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for James DeFoor
Funeral services provided by:
Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory328 South Ingraham Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James DeFoor's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
