James Ervin Bland

It is with great sadness that the family of James E. Bland (Jim) announces his passing after a 17-year battle with leukemia on Wednesday, February 21st, 2018, at the age of 72 years. Jim will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 45 years, Vicki, and his daughters and sons-in-laws, Charla (Chris) and Daphne (Paul). “Grandaddy” will also be fondly remembered by his grandchildren, Hayden, Taylor, and Gavin.

Jim was born on August 5, 1945 in Clyatteville, GA, the third child of Timothy and Louise Bland. He grew up on a dairy farm where he milked cows and raced souped-up cars. He graduated from Lowndes County High School, Valdosta State University for undergrad, and Troy State University for his graduate degree. “Jungle Jim” began his military service in 1967, serving in Vietnam in 1968-69, and making life-long friends in the 11th Cavalry, especially the 919th Combat Engineers, the only Armored Engineer unit in Vietnam. He then served in the Army Reserves, while working at Moody Air Force Base and enjoyed trips scuba diving in the Florida springs. In 1983, he returned to active duty at Ft. McPherson, GA and the family moved to Morrow, GA. He completed tours with FORSCOM headquarters, 3rd Army (including serving during Desert Storm), and the US Army Reserve Command until he retired from active duty in 1995. To complete his civil service career, he moved to Washington D.C. and worked there until retiring in 2005. Jim enjoyed canoeing, biking, skiing, driving grandkids on ATVs, and having campfires at his cabin in the George Washington National Forest. He and Vicki especially enjoyed their six-month trip to Alaska and their year-long trip to the Southwest United States. He took every opportunity to share his love of adventure with the grandkids. In 2010, Jim and Vicki made Port Charlotte, Florida their home where they enjoyed the food, fun, and fellowship of warm and sunny South Florida.

An internment service will be held at the Sarasota National Cemetery at 11:30 am on March 15th, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241.Those who so desire may make memorial donations in memory of Jim to the Moffit Cancer Center Foundation (www.moffitt.org) or the Southwest Florida Vietnam Wall (www.vietnamwallofsouthwestflorida.org).