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The family moved to Memphis when he was twelve years old. Jim graduated from Memphis Technical High School where he played football and basketball. Upon graduation, he joined the United States Navy. As a young sailor he met Helen Maher and they were married in 1954. The couple were stationed around the world, living in Morocco, Spain, Iceland, Florida and California before settling for good in Memphis. During that time they raised three children.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings; Faye Dodd (Charlie), Alma Taylor (Bill), Roy Carter (Sarah) and Mary Nell Cotton (Thomas). He is survived by his wife Helen and children Bobby (Ann), Daniel and Anita Vidal (Armando) and grandchildren Luis, Yoselin, Alfonso, Dan, Jr. and Ian.
Jim loved to fish and to run. He participated in numerous races of all lengths including a dozen marathons. He will be remembered by those who knew him as someone who could “fix anything”. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to your favorite charity.
