James Lee Partridge Jr.

It is with great honor and immense heartache that I share some memories of my incredible father. Dad was born on April 30, 1961, to Mary and James Partridge Sr. He was born in Key West, FL. and raised with his only sister - Tammy. He leaves behind his mother, Mary Partridge; a daughter, Natalie Borden; sister, Tammy Wood, and two grandsons, Braxton and Baylor Borden. From his family, Dad learned the values of loyalty, love, and laughter, which he carried throughout his life and instilled in generations to come.

From an early age, it was clear Dad was no ordinary man. He was athletic, driven, and smart. He achieved athletic honors at Orange Park High School. His achievements didn't stop at academics. As a star football player, he led their team with the same spirit he carried through life - vibrant, passionate, and tireless. Following his graduation, Dad dived headfirst into the world of auto industry. He began at Key Buick as a service writer, quickly rising to the rank of Service Manager within a decade, a testament to his commitment, work ethic, and unwavering focus on his values and customers.

But to limit the memory of my father to his professional successes would be a great disservice. James Partridge was a man who was outgoing, funny, present, loyal, and truly everybody's best friend. He had an uncanny ability to light up a room and make everyone feel welcome. To me, his daughter, he was my biggest cheerleader, always there to pick me up, quite literally, blasting Tupac from his lifted suburban. He taught me to face embarrassment with humor, even if it meant looking ridiculous. His commitment to family was unwavering, making Sunday family dinners mandatory affairs while living in Florida. Dad was our families competitor in wii fit battles, our scuba coach and offshore fishing buddy, always encouraging us to never quit, to keep pushing forward.

His life was full - full of love, full of laughter, and full of memorable moments. Dad loved hunting, skiing, fishing, and being outdoors. He cherished meaningful conversations with friends, beach and boat days, and quality time with his family. But above all, he was proud of the family he built, the friendships he made, the community he fostered, the business he was a part of, and the athletics he mastered. These were the foundations of his life, and the legacy he leaves behind