James Raymond Dent's Obituary
DENT, JAMES RAYMOND
Our beloved “Papa Jim,” 87, passed away on September 2, 2018. Born on January 1, 1931, in Cotter, Arkansas, he was an adoring husband, proud father, involved grandfather and great-grandfather, a beloved son, brother, uncle, and a loyal friend to many. After completing high school in Arkansas, he went into the Navy where he received advanced training in electronics as an engineer. His family moved to Tucson, Arizona and it was there that he met and married the love of his life, Peggy Holland. Together, they raised five children. They recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.
His career involved working with aircraft with Convair, working on defense missile sites with General Dynamics; and he was especially proud to have been a part of NASA’s Atlas and Saturn space programs at (then) Cape Kennedy, with General Electric. He transitioned to General Electric’s battery plant in Alachua in 1974 and retired from Gates Energy. While the nature of his work involved a somewhat nomadic existence for his family, all were ultimately enriched by the opportunities to live in various parts of the U.S. before settling down in Florida.
To say he was a “sport” is an understatement. He was an accomplished multi-sport athlete as a young man and a coach to his sons and countless others over the years. He was passionate about the Florida Gators and enjoyed attending any and all Gator sporting events. An avid golfer until he experienced health problems in the past few months, he amassed several trophies (and logo hats) over the years.
He was a proud member of the Hague United Methodist Church, UF Alumni Association, the Tip-off Club, GE Retirees, Turkey Creek Golf Association, the Lion’s Club of Alachua, Sertoma Service Club, and he was serving as an ambassador at the Village Retirement Community.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, Perry and Ruth Dent and his three younger siblings, Bob, Larry & Betty. He was profoundly saddened by the losses of his son, Steve, his daughter-in-law, Becky Dent, his son-in-law, Charlie McCormick, and his daughter, Lori McCormick. He is survived by his dear wife, Peggy, his children; Karen (Rick) Scarborough, Michael (Denise) Dent, Jamie (Phil) Kairalla, daughter-in-law, Alice Dent; grandchildren; Brian (Erin) Scarborough, Kelly (Vince) Imperi, Jeremy Kairalla, John (Ashley) Kairalla, Sara (Tom) Sawyer, Rachel (Matt) Chastain, Emily (Jason) McCarthy, Eric (Sidney) Dent, Leah (Justin) Lalor; 21 great-grandchildren; and many, many loving relatives and treasured friends.
Jim and Peggy enjoyed living in the Turkey Creek Country Club community for over 20 years. Jim (reluctantly) gave up his garage and man-cave to settle in at the Village Retirement Community in 2015 in order to give his bride the secure and comfortable lifestyle offered there. He adapted quickly, meeting and making friends throughout the Village. He especially enjoyed his “breakfast club” and his Tuesday and Thursday afternoon card groups. Living there has been a strong source of support for both of them these past 3 ½ years.
There will be a casual gathering for family and friends to celebrate Jim’s life on Sunday, Sept. 23, at 2:00 pm at the clubhouse at Turkey Creek, 11008 Turkey Creek Blvd., Alachua, FL 32615. Please come and honor Jim by wearing orange and blue for a proper Gator send-off.
Because he valued the care given by the many dedicated workers and staff at the Village so highly, the family requests, if desired, and in lieu of flowers, that donations might be made in memory of Jim Dent to the Associate Gift Fund; Attn. Candice Bragg, 8000 NW 27 Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606.
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