James O. “Jim” Godwin, Jr., age 63, passed away as a result of Shogren’s Disease on Saturday, August 24, 2019. James was a resident of Ft. Walton Beach. He was born on May 30, 1956 at Eglin AFB, FL to Msgt. James O. and Rachel Jackson Godwin. James graduated from FWB High School in 1974 and OWJC in 1977. He also attended school at the University of West Florida (Hurlburt Branch AFB Dept.) As a young business man, he owned JOG’s Carpentry. His interest in advertising lead to his career of marketing for area pizza businesses and forming his own business “Pizza Man”/IDEA MAN”. Jim loved the Greater Ft. Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce through which he served as an Ambassador and Volunteer extraordinaire. He was an Exclusive member of the President Club, of which only 6 Chamber members have received this High Honored recognition. He earned many awards for unique entries in Fort Walton Beach’s Christmas parades, Billy Bowlegs parades, MLK Day and his beloved Veteran’s Day. His MLK and Veteran’s Day passenger was a retired USAF officer/Retired Federal Prison Chaplain, George Castille, whom he referred to as “my pastor” who referred to him as “my nephew”. He was a renowned advocate for the Homeless and supported many charities, the list is far too numerous to list; some for which he served as Board Members. James was the “well known unofficial” marketer for Silver Sands School, where his mother worked for 42 years. He also promoted The Town of Cinco during the time span his father was City Manager following USAF retirement. He was one of the country’s most patriotic citizens and his knowledge of Facts, Dates and Events in World and National History was beyond extraordinary! James was predeceased by his father, James O. Godwin, USAF, Ret, in 1984. He is survived by his mother, Rachel J. Godwin, numerous uncles, aunts and cousins in N.C., who will always remember his Christmas fireworks as “Pizza Claus” and summer excursions for Family Beach Weekend at Emerald Isle, NC, for which he provided each family member with Fort Walton Beach T-Shirts. Memorial suggestions include: Silver Sands School or the FWB area Charity of choice. Funeral services will be Thursday, August 29, 2019 at 3 PM at Emerald Coast Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Beal Memorial Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Expressions of love and sympathy may be placed and viewed online at www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com
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