James (Jim) Louis Ussery, 75, died June 4, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 23, 1943, in Montgomery, Alabama to Louis Burt Ussery and Mary (Eddins) Ussery. Jim graduated from the University of Alabama and earned a law degree from John Marshall Law School in Atlanta, Georgia.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife Janell (Wright) Ussery; a son, Shannon Ussery (wife, Angie); granddaughters, Lacey McDonald, (husband, Jon), and Camille Vereen, (husband, John); great-grandchildren, Andreia Vereen and Evan Vereen.
Jim's love of flying began as a child building model airplanes. This fascination developed into his dream of becoming a pilot. He pursued and completed all of the necessary pilot certifications. He also earned an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certification and an Airframe and Power Plant (A&P) mechanic certification.
In the 1980's Jim continued his dream of flying by purchasing a 1946 single-engine Navion. His career began as a pilot for Cherokee Express in Orlando, Florida and Tampa Airways in Tampa, Florida for several years. From 1980 to 1984 he owned and operated North American Aircraft Maintenance at Herlong Airport in Jacksonville. In the late 1980's, he began a 30-year career with Sophrer & Wilner Law Firm of Jacksonville, Florida, as their Corporate Pilot and Director of Operations, a position he held with the firm until the time of his death.
Jim felt privileged to have an aviation career that he loved and enjoyed for over thirty-seven years. Jim's hobbies were flying, boating and classic cars. He was President of the Florida Aero Club of Jacksonville for several years, the President and charter member of Jaguar Car Club of North Florida. Jim was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church for many years.
Donations may be made in memory of Jim to
- Hillcrest Baptist Church
7673 Collins Rd
Jacksonville FL 32244
- Community Hospice's of
Northeast Florida
5450 Ramona Blvd
Jacksonville FL 32205
A celebration service honoring Jim's life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, June 8th. Visitation is from 1 pm - 2 pm prior to the celebration service at Hillcrest Baptist Church, 7673 Collins Rd., Jacksonville, Florida. Associate Pastor Phillip Crump and pastor Chris Pruitt will officiate. Burial will be at Riverside Memorial Park, 7242 Normandy Blvd.
After the graveside service, there will be a reception at the church for family and friends. Arrangements are under the direction of Frazier Funeral Home, Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, Florida. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com
Published in the Florida Times-Union from June 7 to June 8, 2018.