James Mabry, Sr.

James Hale Mabry, Sr., 90, passed away January 17, 2017.  He was born November 3, 1926 in Jacksonville, FL and lived just about his entire life at the Beaches

Jim (Buddy) moved to Neptune Beach the year it was incorporated, 1931 and graduated from Duncan U. Fletcher.  On July 12, 1943 he rescued two people from the ocean and was awarded the Carnegie Medal of heroism.  Two years later joined the United States Army Air Forces. He was a Tech Sargent with the 2nd Mobile Army Surgical Hospital stationed in Luzon, PI.  When he returned from the service he started his sales career and was able to retire at a young age. During his retirement, he served as Chaplin for the Navy League from 1985 until 2006 and on October 14, 2000 was asked to be Chaplain for the USS Roosevelt during her commissioning ceremony. He was one of the few civilian Ministers ever asked to perform this prestigious duty.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Pam: son James Jr ; daughter Candace: grandchildren Jessica Schuster and James III: great grandchild to be Storm. He was predeceased by his father and mother William and Jean: Brothers William and Woodford .

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 21 in St. Paul’s Catholic Church with Reverend William Kelly as celebrant.

In lieu of flowers a donation in Jim’s name to Community Hospice would be appreciated.