James Edgar Dean

James E. Dean, "Jimmy Dean" a resident of Largo Florida died March 7, 2023 at the age of 93. James Dean was born in Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater FL in July of 1929 to Walter Captain and Trixie (Andrews) Dean.

James (Jim) Dean attended Largo Elementary School and Largo High School, as well as Augusta Military Academy at Fort Defiance, VA, and the Florida Naval Academy at St Augustine FL, after which he joined the U.S. Navy in July 1946. After completing Electrical Training and Motor Machinist Schools, Jim served on the Troop Landing Ship- Medium (LSM) USS 297 thru July 1948.

Jim's father, known by all as "Red" Dean, hitch-hiked from Ariton, Alabama in 1914 to Largo where he picked oranges and grapefruit. In 1928 "Red" Dean returned to Alabama to marry Trixie Martha Andrews of Ozark, Alabama. They returned to Largo where they started "Deans Dry Goods" which became Dean's Men and Women's Apparel and finally "Dean's Men's Wear" in Largo. Jim took over the business but believed in diversification. He bought tracts of acreage around Ariton Alabama to plant and harvest pine.

Jim lived through the bankruptcy of Largo in the 1930s, adversely affecting the 6 to 8 hundred residents of Largo at the time. The meeting at city hall, where the bonding companies tried to take Largo for 2 cents on the dollar for Largo's bonds was burned into his young mind. His parents had the choice of losing the General Store or their home. They kept the store and lived in the back. With this in mind, Jim ran for Largo City Commission in 1981 and served on the Board of Directors for the Largo First Federal Savings and Loan. He later went into Real Estate earning Century 21 of Southern Florida award for most sales 4th quarter 1989. He was an active resident of Regal Palms during his last years, where he will be sorely missed. He is survived by his Sister, Janell Dean Brent, of Canyon, Texas.

A visitation for James will be held Monday, March 13, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Serenity Funeral Home, 13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, FL 33774. A graveside service will occur Tuesday, March 14, 2023 starting at 10am at Largo Municipal Cemetery, 1232 - 1298 Jasper Street, Largo, FL 33770.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.serenityfuneralhomelargo.com for the Dean family.