Jim Gaylord

1931 - 2018

Gaylord, Jim
Oct. 30, 1931 - Feb. 16, 2018
Jim's home of origin was Peoria, Illinois, and he met his wife-to-be at Bradley College. When they married 62 years ago Jim started out in real estate development. In 1969 they moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, where Jim purchased a Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise. Thus began a magical progression as Jim developed a chain of restaurants in Iowa, Illinois and Nebraska, making him a company leader. The picture of Colonel Harland Sanders on the wall of his room in Smith Care was an accurate reminder of the breadth and depth of his friendships. His first exposure to this area was at a meeting held in Sarasota where Jim was appointed as the Upper Midwest Franchise President. He and Dee stayed at The Colony on Longboat Key, now defunct, but at that time reputedly the top tennis resort in the country – and as tennis buffs, they enjoyed it so much they actually purchased a condo on this very first visit. It was a 'had to rent' deal that permitted them to spend only one month yearly there. They sold it a few years later and purchased a condo that allowed them to stay as long as they chose. For 25 years, they were snowbirds. Upon retirement in 1997, Jim served on many boards and enjoyed being a lecturer at the University of Nebraska's business school. Jim lectured on entrepreneurship and in 1997, was selected by the university as Entrepreneur of the Year. While all this was going on, they raised three children: Tim, John and Missy . . . which progressed into grandchildren - four to be exact. In 2008, the Gaylords bought a home in Lakewood Ranch and subsequently became Florida residents. Through friends, they heard about Plymouth Harbor and moved here two years ago. Jim leaves his wife of 62 years, Dee; sons Timothy and John, and daughter, Missy; and grandchildren, Kirby, Sydney, Kate and Dustin. Expressions of Sympathy: Dee Gaylord (mizbiz78@gmail.com). A Celebration of Life will be held on March 5 at 11:00 a.m. in MacNeil Chapel. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Plymouth Harbor Foundation, c/o Plymouth Harbor, 700 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34236.