James E Sanders

James Eldrige Sanders, 91 years old, died Tuesday, November 6, 2018. 

James lived in Florida his entire life with brief absences due to work and war. He was the first born of Emmie Lucille and Quincy Sanders in Haines City, Florida.  He was a devoted son, visiting his mother every afternoon after work and every weekend.  He is survived by his sister, Evelyn Barber of Gainesville.  He is preceded in death by his brother, Franklin ”Buddy” and his sister, Yvonne Cutchins.  He met his wife of 65 years, Evelyn Ligon, at church in Panama City, Florida. Their family and love grew with two daughters:  Darlene Sanders and Jeannene Amason; 4 grandchildren:  Philip Nguyen and Kelly McGauhey of New York City; Emily Nguyen of Conakry, Guinea; Skylar and AJ Hargrave of Orlando; Haley Amason of Osaka, Japan and 3 great grandsons:  Noah, Owen and Miles Hargrave.

As a proud Veteran of the Korean War he continued his service for 46 years with Department of Defense Civil Service at Eglin Air Force Base.   His interest and curiosity about cultures, geography, nature, history, engineering and technology was passed to his grandchildren.   A lifelong learner and enjoyed traveling to new places through books and documentaries. 

He filled his 23 years of retirement with fishing at the Lake (thanks Jim, Pat and Drew) gardening beautiful flowers, juicy fruits and delicious vegetables, finding DIY projects to tackle with his neighbor and friend, Ray, eating a dish of ice cream after most meals and reading several books at a time.

Family and friends will gather on Friday November 9,2018 at Heritage Gardens Funeral Home and Cemetery 2201 N. Partin Drive – Niceville, Fl.  Visitation begins at 1pm with the service at 1:30.

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