James Harold Layfield

LAYFIELD, James Harold 81, of Largo, died Aug. 19, 2008. He moved to Pinellas Park from Phenix City, AL, in 1963, to work for the St. Petersburg Times as a linotype operator. He retired from the Times in 1987. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1945 to 1949, with duty in China immediately following WWII. He was a life long member of the Boy Scouts of America, holding positions as troop leader, commissioner, and over 20 years as Director of Shooting Sports at Camp Soule, Clearwater, and Sand Hill Scout Reservation, Brooksville, where he taught rifle and shotgun safety and marksmanship. Because of his positive impact on the lives of generations of young men, he received the Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service in 1993. He spent his final years at Skyway Skeet and Trap where he continued to coach young and new shooters and enjoyed time with his friends. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Kathy Layfield; daughter, Roseanne Black and husband Alan, Meadows of Dan, VA; son, James Layfield Jr. and wife Jeri, Largo; 3 grandchildren, Colleen Cozak, Roanoke, VA, John Michael Layfield, Charlottesville, VA, and Thomas James Layfield, St. Petersburg; 2 brothers, Billy and wife Elaine, and Clifton, both of Phenix City, AL. A memorial service will be held at 11 am, Sept. 5, at first United Methodist Church, 9025 49th St., Pinellas Park, FL 33782. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Boy Scouts of America, West Central Florida Council, 11046 Johnson Blvd., Seminole, FL 33772, or Hospice of the Florida Suncoast, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater FL, 33762. James touched many lives and will be missed by all. Arrangements entrusted to Veterans Funeral Care, 15381 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL Veterans Funeral Care 524-9202