James D. "Big Jim" Selvey

Selvey, James D. “Big Jim”, age 77, of Brandon, entered into eternal rest July 20, 2014. The son of Col. Eston & Mary Selvey (deceased) and a native of Tampa, Florida, Jim was the husband of Cheryl to whom he was married over 37 years. He was the father of Roy Elden Selvey (deceased) and Maylyn Patricia Selvey (deceased), James Dennis Selvey and Jessica Roberts-Atkins. He has one grandson, Ely Roberts, and six granddaughters, Katie, Barbara, Anna, Maylyn Rose, Jayme Christine and Emily Grace. He has two great grandchildren. He was known in a wide range of circles due to his many interests in life. He never stopped studying as he would often say you can learn something new everyday. Jim was a person who enjoyed meeting new people, making new friends, and extending a helping hand wherever possible. Jim’s life allowed him to travel extensively due to his father’s military career. He lived in or visited every state in the union including Alaska and Hawaii. He went to school in Germany and after graduation from Auburn University spent eight years in Central America running a plywood manufacturing facility. In the Canal Zone he again became involved with the Boy Scouts. This led to his participation in the annual ocean to ocean canoe race where he rowed a canoe from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean through the Panama Canal. He has been involved in Scouting for over 68 years, having served as Scout Master, Ass’t. Scout Master, Troop Committee Chairman, District Committee, District Chairman, and Council Executive Committee. He was awarded the Silver Beaver, District Award of Merit, the St. George Medal, the William D. Boyce award, and the Daniel Carter Beard award. He has served Troop 111 of Brandon as its Committee Chairman since its inception. Jim’s activities as a public servant include service in South Carolina as a City Council Member and in Hillsborough County as a County Commissioner. He served two terms before stepping down due to term limits, but later volunteered as a Special Magistrate to hear cases involving Code Enforcement and Red Light Camera infractions. As a County Commissioner he wore several hats, serving as Chairman of EPC for four years, Chairman of the Transportation Commission four years, Sport Authority two Years, Airport Authority two years, and the Metropolitan Planning Organization for one year. After he went off the Board, he became heavily involved in the Greater Tampa Association of Realtors serving as its Centennial President in 2011. He was an active, outgoing, and friendly person who will be missed by many. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 29, 2014 at Stowers Funeral Home. The family will receive friends Monday 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Crippled Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Florida 33607, or to Boy Scout Troop 111 of Brandon, 3802 Treadway Drive, Valrico, FL 33594 in James' memory.