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James Allen LaVerde
1945 - 2020
James Allen LaVerde
1945 - 2020
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1945
DIED
2020
James LaVerde Obituary
Born in Hornell on June 3, 1945, he was the son of the late Robert and Naomi (Jackson) LaVerde.
Before relocating to Hendersonville, NC in 2019, Jim lived in Florida for over 40 years.
He was an avid golfer, having achieved three holes in one. One of Jim's proudest golfing adventures was when, on a trip to Ireland and Scotland in 2017 with his wife, Margaret "Maggie", he donated a club to the Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland. The "Mashie" Club was used by Arthur Havers when he won the 1923 Open. The club is currently displayed in the Royal Troon Golf Club showcase along with a picture of Jim presenting the club to the Captain of Royal Troon. Jim carried this picture in his golf cart and proudly showed it to everyone he met. He also loved the outdoors, including fishing and hunting. He loved to point out the different birds and foliage (and hills "look at those hills, girls!") when traveling or showing family around his town. He had a wonderful sense of humor and his home was filled with laughter.
Jim was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Although he and Maggie were only together five years, they had many adventures and wonderful experiences. He loved with all his heart and always demonstrated that love. He leaves behind to cherish his memories his three daughters, Kimberly, Jennifer (Mike) Drapeau and Kathleen Leon; five grandchildren that he could not speak enough about with love and pride, Michael and Nicole Drapeau and Mason, Wyatt and Molly Leon. In addition, he is survived by his three sisters, Linda Fucci of Hornell, Arlette Lecceardone of Florida and Pamela LaVerde of Hornell; his brother, Michael (Kim) LaVerde of Connecticut; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
Jim served in the United States Air Force for eight years and was stationed in Ubon, Thailand during his early years in the service. He was very proud of his service to our Country and continued the memories with his two friends from their time in Thailand. Jim was an avid reader always looking for another book on history to enjoy and learn more about.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his three brothers, Ronald, Robert, and Donald LaVerde; and his nephew and namesake Jimmy LaVerde.
Interment with full military honors will be held on Friday, Sept. 11, 2020 at 11 a.m. at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 S.W. 102nd Ave., Bushnell, FL 33513. Masks are required.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Linda Fucci
September 12, 2020
Jim was my older brother by only 18 months, during these least couple years we developed a connection, we both were diagnosed with cancer. When he heard my news last summer he immediately came up with his wife Maggie. He hadn’t been diagnosed yet but was very supportive telling me you can do this. We spent many days talking going to lunch and dinner. I’m very thankful for that last summer we shared. After his diagnosis we talked many times or texted to see how each of us was doing. I’ll treasure those talks too. Last time I texted him was Friday the day before he died and to my surprise because I knew how weak he was he answered me. He fought this to the end and I find peace knowing he was happy with Maggie, loved his daughters and loved North Carolina . Rest In Peace brother and hug all our family for me❤
PAM laVerde
September 11, 2020
Jim was one of my 3 big brothers we shared a lot of time together when he would drive to Hornell from Florida to spend a few month to get away from the heat he loved driving through the hills and back roads of our area reminiscing about his years of growing up. He left the area to go south raise his family and retire there but he never EVER forgot where he grew up and the friendships he had he always reached out to whom ever he could when he came back home he truly cherished his friendships he was a great big brother and I’m gonna miss him terrible, so Rest In Peace my brother till we meet again at the back wall of Heaven ❤ Pam
Jenny LaVerde Drapeau
September 10, 2020
Dear Dad,
There are no words to express how profoundly I will miss you. I was not ready for this and my heart is broken into pieces. Because of you, we had many adventures during our childhood that I will forever cherish. You were an amazing father to me and then Mike too once he became part of our family, and your love for my kids was palpable. You made me feel valued and worthy to accomplish anything I wanted. You made me feel like I was special. I will miss your sense of humor, your guidance, and your unconditional love. Please watch over me and my family. I will miss you forever. Rest In Peace. ♥
Love
Jenny (Edith)
Kimberly LaVerde
September 10, 2020
I'm still shocked that you left us so quickly. So many memories are going through my head. Spending my younger years in Hornell I always enjoy you taking me fishing, Watching lighting bugs in the back yard, and of course, going for ice cream after Sunday dinner. I miss you terribly Dad. See you soon.
Kim
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Franklin Smith (Smitty)
September 10, 2020
Jim and I met in Jan. 1963 at Lackland AFB, Texas. We were then both stationed at McCoy AFB in Orlando and by coincidence were both sent to Ubon, Thailand where we remained best buddies. Returning to the states we lost contact until the 70’s and then lost contact again until through the miracle of the internet I was able to track him down again in the 90’s. Jim was living in Florida and I was back home in Maine. I flew down to visit him and from then on we remained in close contact. Deer hunting together at my cabin in Maine was a highlight of our friendship. I will miss our visits and many hours of phone calls and I will think of him every single day. I will always think of Jim as my brother.
Margaret LaVerde
September 5, 2020
Wonderful husband. Handsome and beautiful man. Missing him so very much. My life will not be the same without him.
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