James DeVoe Sr.

DeVOE James DeVoe, Sr. Jim DeVoe, my loving husband of 38 years, arrived in the arms of Jesus on Thursday morning March 23, 2006 when his private plane crashed near Melbourne, Florida. With him in the crash was our beloved son-in-law Steele Gudal, who also lost his life. Words that come to me when I think of JimÑmy best friend, my sweetheart, my greatest supporter, my valued partner. He would hold me, comfort me and pray with me. Our favorite thing to do together was just being together. Jim's greatest attribute was his perseverance. No matter what trial he ever faced, he would never, never quit. He lived by Christian principles and was always striving to improve. He carried a yellow notepad with him at all times, writing out his ideas and his "to do" list, and his list was never ending. He was quiet in crowds, yet he was a bold leader with a clear vision in business. J.D. Byrider was his passion. He loved every person within the organization and truly felt the sense of "family". Most important in his life was his family. He would often tell them that he "loved them more than the whole wide world." Grandchildren were his crowning joy. He had "pet names" for all of them and they all loved "Papa". His strength and love for all of us will last us a lifetime. He will always be in our hearts and we will meet again in heaven in God's time. Jim was born 3-14-43 in Carmel, California. He returned to Indiana as a toddler and lived in Muncie until he moved to Marion, Indiana in 1962. He graduated from Indiana University with honors in 1966 with his B.S. in business finance and management. He graduated with his MBA degree in August 1967. He married "Andy" two days after graduation, August 19, 1968. Jim began his career in business at the Continental Bank in Chicago in their MBA program. He returned to Marion, Indiana to work with his father, Paul DeVoe who owned DeVoe Chevy-Cadillac dealership. He eventually bought the dealership and founded J.D. Byrider, a nationwide franchise. The business began franchising in 1989 and has 123 locations nationwide. Jim was involved in his alumni fraternity Sigma Nu of which he had been a member at I.U. He also had been commander of his fraternity. Jim was Entrepreneur of the Year in Indianapolis in 2000. He was on the board of directors of Little Star School and was on the board of directors of the Alzheimer's Foundation of Indianapolis. He was a member of Central Christian Church in Carmel, Indiana. Family members include his wife, Andy and children Jim Jr., Amy Gudal, Ryan DeVoe, Marcy Miller, Mindy DeVoe, and Angie DeVoe. His father Paul DeVoe preceded him in death. Other family members include his mother, Helen and his sister Judy. Jim DeVoe had 11 grandchildren: Gabrielle Gudal, Gentry Gudal, Haleigh DeVoe, Lukas DeVoe, Tatum DeVoe, Mia Miller, Hannah DeVoe, Crew DeVoe, Barrett DeVoe, Tenly DeVoe, and Elle DeVoe. Visitation will be Thursday, March 30th from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Central Christian Church, 1242 W. 136th St., Carmel, Indiana, 46032, (317) 846-1230. A private memorial service will be held on Friday. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be sent to Little Star Center, 12726 Hamilton Crossing Blvd. or the J.D. Byrider Foundation at 12802 Hamilton Crossing Blvd., Carmel, Indiana 46032. Services under the direction and care of Quinn-Shalz, a Family Funeral Home & Cremation Centre. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com