Mr. James Edward Jim Batchelor, age 75, of Fernandina Beach, FL passed away on Wednesday morning, April 6, 2016 at Baptist Medical Center Nassau County, FL.
Born in Jacksonville, he had been a lifelong resident of Fernandina. Jim and Mary Edna are the two children born to the late James W. Strawberry Batchelor, a longtime Nassau County Deputy, and Clara Belle Jones Batchelor. Jim graduated Fernandina Beach High School after which time he began a long career at ITT Rayonier. While at Rayonier he worked as an Inside Crane Operator in the Finishing Room. After retiring in the mid -1980s, he owned and operated Amelia Auto Parts in Fernandina Beach and Kingsbay Auto Parts in Kingsland, GA with his wife, Pat. Later, he drove for HARP Trucking for a number of years.
He was a Baptist by faith and had raised his daughters in Pine Grove Baptist Church. Mr. Batchelor enjoyed motorcycling with his Father, car racing on weekends with his daughters, listening to music, and loved all animals. He followed NASCAR and the Florida Gators football team.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother, Charles Buddy Brown.
He leaves behind, his wife, Patricia A. Batchelor, Fernandina Beach, FL, daughters, Carol Batchelor, Fernandina Beach, FL, Susan Batchelor Chaney, Jacksonville, FL, Charlene Batchelor, Fernandina Beach, FL, Diane Batchelor Holcomb, Woodstock, GA, step daughter Tami Wood, Fernandina Beach, FL, his siblings, Mary Edna Lightsey, Yulee, FL, Betty Ennis, Nina Mudd, Alan Brown, Ralph Brown, Debbie Brown, grandchildren, James Leigh, Dalton Chaney, Paris Batchelor, grandchildren by marriage Christopher Maylon and Ashley Carkson, well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 9, 2016 in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard with Chaplain Jim Tippins, officiating. Mr. Batchelor will be laid to rest beside his father in Bosque Bello Cemetery. His family will receive friends today from 5:00 7:00 pm at the funeral home.
Please share his Life Legacy and leave your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.
Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors