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Lavaty, James James D. Lavaty, 70, passed away March 14, of Parkinson's at his daughter's home in Sanford, FL. He was born in Port Chester, NY, to Barbara and Joe Lavaty. Jim graduated from University of Puget Sound, WA in 1965. In April of 1966 he enlisted in the Army and was commissioned as a Lt. He served in Vietnam as a member of the Green Beret Special Forces from 1968 to 1969 and was awarded a Bronze Star. In 1970 he married Ceni Wheatland from Sanford, FL. Jim was employed by Jordan Marsh Dept. Stores and in 1978 became the Manager of Jacobson's specialty store in Longwood, FL. In 1997 he moved to Anna Maria Island with his partner Marcia Brewer. Jim was a warm and personable man and made wonderful friends wherever he was. He was an avid sportsman and shared that love with his children and grandchildren. He was lovingly referred to by his grandchildren as "Papa Beach". He is survived by his son Jeff Lavaty (Hayley), his daughters Holly Garemore (Rich), Heather Stelzer (Tom), his beloved grandchildren by age Lucas, Mason, Max, Elise, Garrett, and Jack, his sister Barbara Olson (Gregg) and longtime partner Marcia Brewer. The family would like to thank Hospice of the Comforter for their loving care. And to his loving friends who helped and cared so much, we are forever grateful. Donations can be made to Hospice or to the Wounded Warriors Project.
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To Marcia, and Jims' family, my sincerest condolences. I had the honor of working with Jim at Publix at Holmes Beach. I would like to think that we became good friends. I last saw him about 2 years ago. I never expected that to be the last time I saw him. He had the strength and courage to fight his illness. I had known that he was in the war, but he never mentioned being a Green Beret. Looking back, that seems logical.
Greg Cook
June 6, 2014
My deepest sympathy....Jim and I met in Ft Jackson at basic Tng and we went to Benning together. After graduation we did go our different ways but I do remember him as a great guy. We are all brothers in the service of our great country. God be with you.
Bruce Jacobs
May 15, 2014
Although I never knew Jim, I'm aware of the wonderful man that he was. Marcia, may you & the Lavaty family find comfort in the days ahead, knowing that you were able to be a part of his life, with so many memories to sustain you!
Corrine Strang
April 9, 2014
Message Below From: Dave Lamenzo Bloomfield, CT
April 6, 2014
I met Jim in April of 1966 at Fort Jackson as we entered the U.S. Army. We became good friends through Basic and AIT. And, then onto Fort Benning and OCS. We were both in the 4th Platoon of the 52nd Company there. We could always count on the other to come through with the "goods" when a tough situation demanded. After we received our commissions in March of 1967, we attended Jump School together and then Jim went onto the Special Forces and I went to the 101st Airborne Division. Our paths separated at that time but I will never forget Jim's friendship and his generous nature. RIP Good Friend !!!
April 6, 2014
My condolences to the entire Lavaty family. I served with Jim in Viet Nam.We were both on Special Forces A Team A-241. He was the finest officer I ever served under. He was a really good man. I will miss him.
Robert A. Sisk, Raeford, NC
April 6, 2014
I had the pleasure of knowing James as one of the physicians that treated him. He was a great man in all aspects that I observed. I admired him greatly and I was very proud to have had the opportunity to have known and treat him. He will be greatly missed by all that have had the pleasure of his company.
I also find the need to thank him for his service to our country as a veteran of the Vietnam war. May God bless him and comfort his family.
Daniel Serpentelli III DC
April 5, 2014
Marcia Brewer
April 5, 2014
So very sorry and saddened by the loss of such a wonderful man. Jim was the first boss I ever had when I came to Jacobson's as a teen over 30 years ago. He was always wonderful to my whole family over these many years, and we loved him and he will be very missed.
Marybeth Scarlett
April 1, 2014
Jim you will be missed RIP my friend
fred h mayer
March 30, 2014
Heather and Holly, So sorry about your loss! I pray for peace that passes all understanding for you and your family. -Katie Halstead
March 29, 2014
I had the honor of working with, and for Jim at Jordan Marsh. I also was honored to call Jim a friend. Through time our lives took different paths and I lost touch with Jim. I do know Jim was proud of his 10 lb. bass that was mounted on his living room wall and his children. To Jim's family my deepest condolences on your loss. Shalom my friend now go catch more bass.
john driggers
March 28, 2014
Jim was a man's man, a soldier and a good friend to me and my wife and children. We will miss him and his smile.
Rod and Liz Laney
March 28, 2014
So sorry for your loss Marcia and for the entire family! Love Paul and Shari
Paul and Shari Jaskierny
March 28, 2014
As we have often toasted in the past--"To Absent Friends". We will meet again soon
Bruce and Becky Goodrow
March 28, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Jim was a great guy with a wonderful sense of humor and a zest for all things in life. We are blessed to have known him.
Paula and Bill Barnes
March 28, 2014
Rest in peace, big man. It's hard for men to say I love you to each other, but I'm so glad that the last time we saw each other we hugged and did say it. God's tender mercies to you.
George T Scarlett
March 28, 2014
Lavity Family,
My deepest sympathy.. Jim was a great man and always had a smile on his face. At least out hunting.
May God Bless you with peace.
Lisa Rumbley
Lisa Rumbley
March 28, 2014
So. Sorry for your loss. May the memories you have with Jim sustain you and comfort you",
Marian Jones
March 28, 2014
He will be missed! RIP Jim
Charlie & Susan Koke
March 28, 2014
He will be missed.
Charlie & Susan Koke
March 28, 2014
B Hill
March 28, 2014
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