JAMES LEE LaFLAME

JAMES LEE
LaFLAME, 80

SARASOTA - James Lee LaFlame of Sarasota, formerly of Lakeland, was born on July 25, 1932, in Horton, Michigan and passed away on October 30, 2012, in Sarasota from complications as a result of a fall.
Jim was a graduate of Western Michigan University and was an Air Force veteran. He was employed by ButterKrust Bakeries in Lakeland for many years, retiring as Vice President-Finance of the Bakery Division of Beatrice Foods. He later became Director of Catholic Social Services' Polk County services.
Mr. LaFlame was preceded in death by his parents, William and Phyllis (née Smith) LaFlame, by his grandson Christopher Thomas, and by his sister Jacqueline LaFlame Jahnke. He is survived by his wife Cheryl (Taylor) LaFlame, his children Charlotte (Stephen) Thomas, Cynthia (Matthew) Jahnke, Sonya (Tony) Dodds, Kimberly (James) Garland, Chanda (Paul) Morra, and James, Jr. (Heather). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Justin Thomas, Emily and Eric Jahnke, James, Robby, and Ally Dodds, Craig and Philip Otten, Anna, Christina, Rebecca, and Paul Morra, and, Jade Alice and Dominic LaFlame. Additional survivors include his great-granddaughter Katie Thomas, his sister Joyce Laird, and several nieces and nephews.
Jim was an avid reader and loved to travel, an experience made infinitely more interesting by his disregard for maps and directions. Jim experienced many medical challenges during the last years of his life, but his faith and the loving support of family and friends sustained him. He demonstrated dignity, humor, and grace through significant health challenges.
Heath Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Catholic Charities.