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Wendy Schultz posted a condolence
Thursday, April 11, 2019
I knew Jim ( or Funfella as he will always be In my heart) for twenty two years. He always lived up to his name and will be greatly missed !
A genuine, generous and caring guy!
RIP
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Sallie and Art Swisher posted a condolence
Monday, January 21, 2019
A life well lived leaving many happy memories for his son Mike and Lindy,the love of his life. He will be missed by many friends and colleagues. qfnDG
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Carol Anderson posted a condolence
Saturday, January 19, 2019
Memories of Jim
We met at the home of a friend and when he asked me out, l said yes. We continued to date for a long time and it became serious. One evening he took me to the Kapok Tree in Clearwater. Once there, we had to wait for a table. We ended up with two very tall glasses of Planter's Punch. That was the night he proposed. Once again, I said yes. We married in May. We knew that in the construction business there were a lot of ups and downs, so we planned to save up in order to avoid financial hurdles. I was working full time and we sacrificed things we wanted in order to build up the business. Those were the lean years. Jim taught me how to label plans because he thought my printing was better. Later, I worked for him in the office keeping the books, reconciling accounts and anything else I could do to help. Jim was working getting plans approved, overseeing the job sites, giving estimates to potential clients, and bidding on everything he could.
He worked long and hard to ensure that clients got into their buildings on time. Sometimes that meant working on holiday weekends to do a final job cleanup. We delivered pizza to employees on the job site, so that deadlines could be met. The business thrived with Jim's hard work and thanks to architects and previous clients who recommended him to others, work was plentiful.
Now it was time to work on building our own home. In due time, Michael arrived. We were thrilled! As a toddler, he accompanied Jim on fishing trips. Mike and Jim got to spend so much time together and with others, in fishing, boating and hunting exploits--of which there were many. Just ask Mike, he knows all the old stories.
Jim was always a hard worker when we were together, and even when we weren't, I could always get good construction advice from him. He was only as far away as a phone call. I'll miss those calls.
Goodbye Jim, I'll remember you fondly.
Joanne Aerts
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Scott & Brenda Springer posted a condolence
Saturday, January 19, 2019
Texas has lost an awesome visitor. We have so many wonderful memories of Jim’s visits to Texas to fish and go hunting in Mexico. His stories were always fascinating . His photographs he had made for us hang on our walls. He was a wonderful caring man. He will be greatly missed.
The Springers Last Chance Outfitters
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Jake Bond posted a condolence
Saturday, January 19, 2019
I was fortunate enough to spend a lot of time with Jim and Lindy over the last 10 years. Work brought me to Tampa for a few weeks each year and they always opened their home to me. I first met Jim almost 25 years ago when I was a teenager. Lindy had brought him “home” to Eugene and Jim had been appointed to drive Grandpa’s RV out to the coast. With Grandpa hovering nervously over Jim’s shoulder as we began to back out of the driveway, Jim launched us into the street and the contents of the fridge quickly spilled onto the floor. It was a bit of rough start but we arrived in one piece and he was a permanent fixture in our family from that point forward. He will be dearly missed!
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Aley & Greg Onderko posted a condolence
Friday, January 18, 2019
What a Great Man Jim was and will continue to be for ever. Our condolences to our Dearest Lindy and his family. He left wonderful memories!
Sending our love,
Aley & Greg Onderko
Please wait
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Jim Yocum & Marilyn Godbold posted a condolence
Friday, January 18, 2019
Lindy has lost the love of her life and Marilyn and I have lost a true and dear friend.
Words cannot express our sincere sympathy for Lindy and all the family.
You are all in our prayers.
God bless you all.
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Lavone Tucker posted a condolence
Thursday, January 17, 2019
I knew Jim so many years, from childhood to maturity, long periods of no contact, but our lives crossing numerous times. Jim's dad built the house I grew up in, and along with others, we all played together in the neighborhood. Jim's life was one of hard work interrupted only by his love of fun, fishing, hunting, and adventure. (And, of course, a few disappointments.) My deep condolences to Lindy, Jim's family and friends along with all those whose lives he touched in a positive way over the years. I hope all your memories are good ones. I'm writing from several states away and am sorry I couldn't be there to say goodbye.
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Lavone Tucker uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, January 17, 2019
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Holiday party with friends (Jan & Lavone) December 28, 1974
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Lavone Tucker uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, January 17, 2019
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Lavone Tucker with Jeanie, Bill, and Jim Aerts, Pass-a-Grille Beach, Summer '52
These were carefree, fun days!
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Brennan Aerts posted a condolence
Thursday, January 17, 2019
Hey, all, in his final days, I wrote a letter to my Uncle Jim to let him know the impact he'd had on my life. As his nephew, I got to experience his care and generosity on many occasions. He was a great man, indeed, and I wish everyone peace in this time of grieving. Below, at the request of other family members, I've copied and pasted the letter. Forgive some of the language, and may it stand as a specific record of the impact Jim had on my life, and the lives other others.
-B
Uncle Jim,
I'm not sure if you're reading emails, these days, but I felt compelled to write you a letter. I will probably send it in the mail as well.
I want to thank you for being a spectacular uncle to me, all these years. I apologize for having been distant, as an adult. Between living in California for years, and now with a family of my own, I've found myself even more separated from my Florida family than ever. Life can get away from you sometimes.
You should know, I remember my childhood very fondly, and that a big part of those fond memories were coming to visit you. I always knew that we'd have a great time, and that we would be able to have experiences and adventures that we would not otherwise have. From doing farm activities like driving tractors, to shooting all sorts of crazy guns, to eating wild deer meat, to hunting (err, chasing with a truck) wild boar, and, of course, the best fishing a man could ever ask for.
It's no mystery, the fishing will always stand out. I have spent my life defying anyone to be a better fisherman than my Uncle Jim. I still remember the day we posted up by the Skyway, sat at the edge of a hole, and pulled in trout, enormous Spanish mackerel, and jack by the hundreds - often two at a time. I remember getting to see sharks that day (more than usual) and massive rays on the flats. For a young Tennessee boy growing up in the suburbs, a day like that was unique, to say the least, and will stay with me for a lifetime.
I remember another time when my friend (now brother in law) JD came to Florida with me. You put us up, cooked us excellent meals, and took us on, yet another, fishing trip of a lifetime. I was (and still am) afraid of the water. Something about growing up landlocked, I guess. When you told us to hop out of the boat, I'll never forget looking at each other, amazed, as if to say "Seriously? Is he insane? In there?!" Reluctantly, we jumped in, because we knew damned well saying 'no' wasn't an option when my uncle had taken us all the way out there to catch snook on his day off. So we did. And we spent the day being shark bait and catching hundreds of fish.
I used to love coming to your office, looking through the blue prints. It made me want to be an architect at one point. I would go home and spend hours drawing plans, trying to copy the giant blue prints of the enormous houses that were yet to be built. They were inevitably very crooked houses. To see the buildings in person a couple times was a real thrill. It was so exciting to me to see an idea become a reality, and I think a lot of that influenced me to become a music producer. It showed me that just because something isn't there yet, doesn't mean it can't be.
My first car was your old truck. A turquoise GMC Sierra with something like 300k miles on it. Ran like a gem. I couldn't believe a truck would even last that long. And I couldn't believe it had the torque of a fuckin' Camaro with no weight in the rear end. Seems like a perfect setup for a 16 year old to make a couple shithead decisions, which I did. Nothing too bad, but it served me well, and got me where I needed to go...quickly.
One of the greatest blessings I'm forever grateful for is our wedding gifts. As you know, we were young, and pretty much had no money. Our wedding was a giant combination of friends donating their gifts (photography, culinary, etc), and a lot of hard earned, pieced together small money. We had no plans or ability to have the wedding filmed, and we honestly had no clue how we were even going to pay for the food. Not only was it amazing to have our wedding actually on film thanks to you, but your financial gift single handedly provided food for the whole wedding. It may have been small to you, but it was VERY big to us. It made our wedding complete.
When I moved to California, I learned quickly that I was from a different place. It became most apparently when someone introduced me as "Brennan, from Tennessee, who has actually shot a real gun before". Hilarious, and ridiculous. Who hasn't shot a gun? It occurred to me, always, that the only reason I had was because I grew up shooting with you whenever we came to Florida. So I started followed it up with "Yeah, I grew up shooting with my Uncle Jim. He had a ton of guns. He loves guns. Guns are awesome."
I do not claim to be good at writing letters. The abruptness of your sickness has compelled me to do so. I'm so sorry you have been so sick. I am sorry I have not come down there to visit you. However, I am intensely devoted to blessing those who bless me. And if a small letter of thanks is something that will brighten your day, here it is, and I hope it does. Know that you're special, you're loved, and that you've been very special to me.
I love you,
Brennan
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Karen Barkley posted a condolence
Thursday, January 17, 2019
Jim was such a great guy, a great cook and loved to entertain his friends. Best sense of humor ever. He will really be missed.
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Margaret Metzger posted a condolence
Thursday, January 17, 2019
So sorry for the Aerts family.
I pray for comfort and healing for you all
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Gwen Kearley posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Jim was a great guy and very generous to share his catches with friends. The Ahi Tuna was so delicious! He was a great sport and team player with the TVWC through the years. I know he will be sorely missed by family and friends alike. Fair winds and following seas, Jim. My heart bleeds for Lindy and the family! When a man of his character and stature passes, it leaves a massive emptiness. I know.
M
Matt and Joan carroll posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
We were so sorry to here of the passing of Jim. Know he will be sadly missed by you and family. Cancer is such a terrible disease to go thru and now he is at peace and out of pain and In Gods hands. Joan
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Karen Clark posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Sending you healing prayers and comforting hugs to you and your family at this sad time.
I’m so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing, Karen
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John Strome uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
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Fishing off the coast of Venice La. for yellowfin tuna.
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John Strome uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
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Happy day heading out of Clearwater to catch some grouper & snapper.
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Eileen Edwards posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
I'm so very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family during this time of great sorrow. With love and sympathy...Eileen
Please wait
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Mary Lou Crawford posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
To Lindy and the family—my deepest sympathy to you all. May the memories you have be a consolation that you will hold close to your hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Mary Lou Crawford
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Susan West posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
Jim was a childhood friend of my family, classmate, and truly great guy. He will be missed by so many!!
God’s blessings and comfort to his family,
Susan Swift West
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Barbara Law posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
Jim and Lindy were one of the first people Trevor and I met when we moved to Tierra Verde. After a group dinner Trevor was up early the next morning fishing with Jim. That's how he was, you immediately were drawn to his smile and Florida Country Charm. We were lucky to live down the street from him so we were fortunate to be a part of his many culinary endeavors. I think I'll miss his smoked fish spread the most. When I think of Jim I only see him smiling. You are a lucky lady Lindy, to have loved a man like this.
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Michael J Aerts uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
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Jim Aerts with little Mikey
“Family Traditions”
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Michael J Aerts uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
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Marvin Aerts with little Jimmy
“Family Traditions”
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The family of James Aerts uploaded a photo
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
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