JAMES M. DUVALL

JAMES M. DUVALL, 81

LAKELAND - James M. DuVall passed away peacefully on March 19, 2018 at the age of 81.
How do you encapsulate the life and contributions of this beautiful man? Born on December 15, 1936 in Blytheville, Arkansas, he moved to Lakeland, FL when he was 12 years of age. He graduated from Lakeland High School in 1954, and began working for the Sherwin Williams paint company soon thereafter. He enjoyed a nearly 38 year career with the company, met many customers and co-workers who became lifelong friends, and retired at the age of 55.
He was an active member of the Sertoma Club for more than 50 years. He was also a board member of the Central Florida Speech & Hearing Center, the Ace Charter School and the Alliance for Independence when it was known as the Sheltered Workshop.
Those who knew Jim would never think he had a shy day in his life, but his path to becoming a self-assured extrovert was a difficult one in his early years. Through sheer determination, he was able to realize the very best version of himself.
Above all else, he was an honorable man who loved abundantly, gave selflessly and lived fully. Through his strength of character, his boundless commitment to those he loved, and his many charitable endeavors, he elevated the lives of his family, his friends, and countless others who were blessed to cross his path. He made us all better.
Special thanks to his closest friends who always stood by his side and made their love apparent right until the end. The family would also like to thank Cornerstone Hospice for their endless compassion and comfort.
Jim is survived by his sons Jason and Jamey, grandson Cody, daughter-in-law Laurie, his siblings Sylvia, Michael, Larry and Lana, and far too many adoring friends and extended family members to list here. We all loved him beyond measure.
His wife Darrie is also left behind, and will forever love and miss her beloved husband of more than 45 years.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in his memory to the Alliance for Independence or Talbot House Ministries.
Per Jim's request, a gathering will be held on Saturday, March 31 from 3 pm - 5 pm at The Club at Eaglebrooke (1300 Eaglebrooke Blvd) in Lakeland. For anyone who knew and loved him, this event will be an opportunity to celebrate his spirit which will forever thrive within each of us.