James Owen Stakely, Jr. of Gainesville, FL passed away at his home on September 9, 2014. He was 65. He was born February 24, 1949 in Macon, Georgia to Rheua Hogan and James Owen Stakely, Sr.
Mr. Stakely was the owner of Cheek’s Furniture Refinishing in Gainesville. He had a great appreciation for life and had many interests. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hiking, canoeing, white water rafting, bird- watching, tennis and watching his children and grandchildren play organized sports.
He was a member and deacon of Faith Presbyterian Church and sang in the choir. He recently attended Northwest Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Stakely; sons, James “Chris” Stakely (Katie) of Gainesville, William “Will” Stakely (Kathlene) of Los Angeles, CA, David Foster (Linda) Of Gainesville, Ron Foster (Sue) of Louisville, KY; daughters, Kimberly ‘Kim” Carlson (Eddie) of Indianapolis, IN and Diane Rock (Kenny) of Suffolk, VA; and fourteen grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 PM Sunday, September 14, 2014 at Northwest Baptist Church, 5514 NW 23rd Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32606. Arrangements are in the care of Forest Meadows Funeral Home (352)378-2528
James Owen Stakely, Jr. of Gainesville, FL passed away at his home on September 9, 2014. He was 65. He was born February 24, 1949 in Macon, Georgia to Rheua Hogan and James Own Stakely, Sr.
Mr. Stakely was the owner of Cheek’s Furniture Refinishing in Gainesville. He had a great appreciation for life and had many interests. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hiking, canoeing, white water rafting, bird- watching, tennis and watching his children and grandchildren play organized sports.
He was a member and deacon of Faith Presbyterian Church and sang in the choir. He recently attended Northwest Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Stakely; sons, James “Chris” Stakely (Katie) of Gainesville, William “Will” Stakely (Kathlene) of Los Angeles, CA, David Foster (Linda) Of Gainesville, Ron Foster (Sue) of Louisville, KY; daughters, Kimberly ‘Kim” Carlson (Eddie) of Indianapolis, IN and Diane Rock (Kenny) of Suffolk, VA; and fourteen grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 PM Sunday, September 14, 2014 at Northwest Baptist Church, 5514 NW 23rd Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32606. Arrangements are in the care of Forest Meadows Funeral Home (352)378-2528
I want to express my condolences, and surprise, at the loss of Jim. Myself, Shana and Kara have are deeply saddened to hear such grim news.
Jim and his family were very close friends in the early days of our developing family lives when we lived in Gainesville from 1973 until 1976. Although the demands of work and life separated us for many years I always kept Jim in my thoughts and had that unending vision of joining Jim on one of his canoe trips when I retire. He had the right idea on enjoying life:).
Of all my acquaintances and encounters in life I found that Jim represented the real MEASURE OF A MAN: Not – “how did he die?” But – “how did he live” Not – “what did he gain” But – “what did he give”. To me, these are the units of measure of the worth of a man, and Jim was a giver in life, but was a true keeper of values as a man. He will be missed.
Kara and I plan to attend the services on Sunday.
With sincere condolences to his entire family, Mike Chastain
I can’t believe my friend is gone. We are too young for this kind of thing. James and I have been friends since the early days of elementary school at JJ Finley. I consider him one of my closest and dearest friends. Every time we got together, he would have the biggest grin you could imagine.
I can’t count the rounds of golf we have played together, the white water rafting trips and the camping trips with our boys and the “Indian guides” that we have taken, camping in the infield at the Firecracker 400, and many other unmentionable things we have done. And we never went to jail.
When I was building my house, James would come over every night after work and help me put up trim. His knowledge of wood was excellent. All he ever wanted was a couple of beers and a thank you. I don’t quite know how many pieces of furniture he has refinished for me and Susan, but I probably can’t count that high with both hands.
There is an empty place in my heart today. James was a wonderful person, and a better friend. I will miss him greatly.
Susan and I will be at the service Sunday.
My heartfelt condolences to the entire family, Rocky
I want to express my deepest condolences to the Stakely family. Although I did not know him, I know his son Will through his wife – my dear friend, Kathlene. I’m sure Mr. Stakely’s passing was a devastating shock to Will and Kathlene. So I can only imagine how the entire family must feel. I hope that all of you are able to find comfort and strength in one another. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
With heartfelt Sympathy – June Barreras
Jim was always well intentioned, kind, and unselfish with his time, and generous with his mirthfulness and cheer. As he would pass my auto shop on his way to work he would acknowledge us with a wave or salute. This kindhearted craftsman has left his mark on the wood he transformed and restored and our hearts forever.
I grew up with Jim in Hibiscus Park in Gainesville. I remember so many childhood memories and working with on him on numerous GHS Reunion Committees. Jim you will be greatly missed. Prayers for his wonderful, wife, Barbara and all family members. You were a GREAT guy!!!!!
Mike and Rocky have really said it well. Like Rocky, I grew up with James Owen, Jr. J J Finley to Westwood to GHS. Each step of the way Jim was a part of my life. The things we did together with the guys in our corner of the wonderful town of Gainesville in the 50’s and 60’s were so much fun.
A lot of foolishness, a lot of competing in all the sports – and Jim played them all, a lot of dating and moving to adulthood trying to figure out life together. And Jim was there all the time right up to this very week … it will be hard to imagine life without phone calls from Jim.
Jim was a dear friend, a faithful friend, a member of our family, and a true brother in Christ!
I am so sorry for your loss and our heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends. May your memories of him as well as a hope of being reunited one day – John 5:28,29 – bring everyone the peace and comfort you need at this time.
I am so sorry to hear of Jims passing. My condolences to his family. He restored many of the Haile’s furniture pieces to like new. Thank you Jim and bless your family.
I’m so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Barbara please know that you will be in our prayers during this difficult time. We remember fondly our time in Gainesville and our friendship at Faith Church. Dave also has good memories of camping with Jim. Sending love from Michigan.