James Van Pelt

Van Pelt, James “Jim”, III, 53 of Largo, FL passed away on Wednesday, September 4, 2013. Jim was born on November 4, 1959 in Staten Island, New York. He moved to this area in 2009 coming from Brigantine, NJ. Jim worked as an engineer for Tradewinds in St. Petersburg, FL. He attended St. Jerome Catholic Church in Largo. Jim loved his Yankee’s and Giant’s. He was licensed to breed and raise exotic animals. He loved to fish and raised orchids. Jim loved flying Cessna planes and was just a few lessons away from getting his license to fly. He enjoyed photography and astronomy. He one time stayed up all night in the freezing cold weather to capture an eclipse with his photography. He took an outstanding picture and entered it in a contest which he won an award. Jim was also Knighted by his loving wife Paytra who survives. Also surviving is a son James Van Pelt, IV of Largo, a daughter Amanda Edwards of Silverton, NJ, two grandsons Alejandro and Arnaz, two stepsons Zackary Skelly of Malibu, CA and Emery Skelly of Red Bank, NJ. His mother Gay (Emil) Billich of Somerset, NJ and his father James (Patricia) Van Pelt, Jr. of Phoenix, AZ, a brother William (Sherrie) Van Pelt of Jacksonville, NC, two sisters Lauralee Van Pelt of Jackson, NJ and Donna (Deacon Richard) Benner of Delanco, NJ, three nieces Dominique, Jessica and Lorna, five nephews Christopher, Kevin, Rick, Jr., Michael and James and a brother in law Vincent (Christin) Senatore of Midlothian, TX. Memorial contributions may be given to Suncoast Hospice, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33760-9962 or Chosen Children Charities, Inc., 13205 Whispering Palms Place, SW, #806, Largo, FL 33774. Friends are calling Friday, September 6, 2013 from 3-9 pm at the Moss Feaster Funeral Home, 13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, FL 33774, Ph# 727-562-2080. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2013 at 12 (noon) at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 10895 Hamlin Blvd, largo, FL 33774. Burial will follow at Serenity Gardens Memorial Park of Largo. Condolences may be offered at www.mossfeasterlargo.com.