James Lee "Jim" Eden

1942 - 2023

Much loved husband, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and dear friend, Jim Eden, 80, passed away after a 14-year battle with aggressive Prostate Cancer, on May 14, 2023, at his Fort Lauderdale home of 40 years.

Born in Fort Collins, Colorado to Edward L Eden, Jr, DVM and Zola Belle Alexander Eden on December 23, 1942, Jim grew up on his family's dairy farm and ranch in Pueblo, CO. He moved to Fort Lauderdale at the age of 14 and graduated from Fort Lauderdale High School. He returned to Colorado and attended CSU-Pueblo.

Jim married the love of his life, Cynthia "Cindy" Glyn Moore, from Graham, NC on April 30, 1983. He promised to spoil her so rotten no other man would ever have her, and he delivered on his promise. In 2006, they purchased a second home in the mountains of southwestern North Carolina where they spent much of the summer and fall entertaining family and friends.

Jim spent most of his adult life in Fort Lauderdale around the water. Over his long career in the marine industry, Jim worked with major yacht builders and yacht repair facilities around the world selling, specifying, and overseeing the construction and repair of custom yachts as well as commercial vessels. Jim was an active member of the Florida Yacht Broker's Association (FYBA), now known as the International Yacht Broker's Association (IYBA) where he helped with many aspects in developing south Florida into the "Yachting Capital of the World" as it is referred to. In 2011, Jim helped form the new start up, Worth Avenue Yachts, with Brain Tansey and Michael Mahan. After retiring from decades of brokerage and new boat sales in 2020, he continued to consult with prospective investors in the marine industry.

Jim remained optimistic about finding a cure for Prostate Cancer. He participated in clinical studies that allowed him to benefit from advances in treatment over the last decade, was a resource for those facing the same diagnosis, and financially supported research for prostate cancer.

Jim proudly served on the organizing committee of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward Annual Rendezvous from 1994-2008, which raised millions of dollars each year to help support and build new clubs in Broward County. For the last five years, Jim has been a member of Funding Arts Broward and strongly believes in the mission to support, sustain, and encourage the arts in Broward County. He served as Co-Chair of the Corporate Partner Committee from 2020-2022 and served on the annual grant screening team from 2019-2023.

Jim is survived by his wife, Cindy; brother, Edward L Eden, III of Denver, CO; Sister, Elizabeth Eden Gerringer and husband Lynn Gerringer, DVM, of Pueblo, CO; sister, Beverly Eden Hjelmeir, of Fort Lauderdale, FL; sister-in-law, Daisy Eden of Pueblo, CO, sister-in law, Kelly Herrera and husband Arturo of Georgetown, TX ; brother-in-law, Reggie Moore and wife Teri of Ocean Isle Beach, NC; nephews, Karl Gerringer, Steven Hjelmeir and wife Maria Ana, Brian Hjelmeir and wife Diana, Christian Gray Moore and wife Holly: step-nephew Matthew Rickard and wife Megan; nieces, Crystal G Foreman, Beverly Foreman Hanson and her husband Mateo, Sarah Foreman, Jere Eden, Bronte Eden, Davi Eden Duran and husband Aaron; great nieces and nephews, Kailyn Gerringer, Lilian Gerringer, Sarah Gerringer Keefer, Sawyer Goldschmidt, Zahara Eden, Branden Hjelmeir, Sarah Hjelmeir, Briana Hjelmeir, Dane Hjelmeir, Evelyn Rickard, Henry Rickard, and Mai-lee-Greer Hanson.

Jim was predeceased by his youngest and beloved brother, Thomas Eden of Pueblo, CO, and nieces Stephanie Gerringer Goldschmidt, and Lisa Gerringer O'Sullivan.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held on June 3, 2023, at 3:00 pm at Blanco y Blanco Art Studio, 1147 NE 9th Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Jim would want to make sure everyone had plenty to eat and drink so please RSVP to: JimEdenCelebration@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to Funding Arts Broward, Inc. 1350 E Sunrise Blvd., Suite 110, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304.