James George ‘Jimmy/Jim’ Shelley III, 48, born July 6, 1974, passed away on May 27, 2023. Prior to living in Mount Dora, FL for the past 2 years, he was a near lifetime resident of Seminole County, FL. He is survived by his 3 children, Cooper James, Makenzie Ireland, and Bailey Joy; his parents, Jim & Polly; and his sister, Missy.
Jimmy loved Gymnastics. He competed from age 8 through his teen years. Jim competed in Gymnastics, Weightlifting, Track & Field, Football, and Cheerleading at Lake Brantley High School, Altamonte Springs, FL. He excelled in all these sports, was humble about his abilities, and supported his teammates in every way he could. Jimmy graduated in 1992 and loved his High School years. Gymnastics lead him to work as a stuntman in the Indiana Jones Show at Walt Disney World for 13 years. He also went on to work at Universal Studios as a Pyrotechnic Tech. The last several years he was an Associate at GoPuff. He referred to GoPuff as a ‘7-11 on steroids’ and voluntarily helped several locations. Throughout his adult life, he also coached Gymnastics, Cheerleading, Football, and Soccer.
Jimmy was a loving father, brother, son, grandson, and caring friend. Jim will be remembered for the way he could light up a room and for his outstanding comedic prowess, however when there was a need to be met, he was there to help without hesitation. He was a Super-Hero Dad to his children when they were young and a friend as they became adults. Jimmy took care of his maternal grandmother for several months at the end of her life. Without question, he managed her care with the dignity and love she deserved. He was an ‘Apple of My Eye’ to all his grandparents and relatives. He treasured his friends, would give them the shirt off his back, and never forgot them.
In his free time he enjoyed a round of golf with Cooper. Coop best remembers him always playing catch and going to sporting events together. Mak remembers him always being extremely supportive of her cheerleading and school career. Bay remembers him doing the ‘Dads Dance for Dazzlers’ and being there for her when she needed him. Jimmy was an avid FSU and Dolphin Fan, and he knew more about most sports than anyone we know. He knew statistics and such, so everyone always wanted him to be a member of their Trivia Team. ‘Trivia’, yes, that was another thing he was awesome at. One more thing, he could sing a mean duet with Missy – we will never be able to listen to ‘The Devil Went Down to Georgia’ without thinking of Jimmy.
Words that describe Jim include ‘Funniest Guy in the Room’, ‘Supportive Dad’, ‘Hardest Worker’, ‘Kindest Man’, ‘Super Sensitive’, and ‘Genuine Soul’.
In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity in his name.
‘When Someone You Love Becomes a Memory,
the Memory Becomes a Treasure.’
——————————————————————————————————–
Funeral Services will be held at St. Mary of the Lakes Catholic Church, 218 Ocklawaha, Eustis, FL 32726 on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at 9:30am.
All are invited to a ‘Celebration of Life’ Reception following the Church service at The Country Club of Mount Dora, 1900 Country Club Blvd, Mount Dora, FL 32757.
Cemetery interment will be at Highland Memory Gardens, Forest City, FL at a future date, upon completion of a customized memorial next to his maternal grandparents.
Special thanks to St. Mary of the Lakes Catholic Church, Loomis Family Funeral Home (Apopka, FL), Highlands Memory Gardens, and The Country Club of Mount Dora for their care and compassion during this challenging time.