James R. Golding passed away in Panama City, FL on September 13, 2021 at the age of 90. He was born in Greenville, Mississippi on September 23, 1930 to Thomas H. and Jimmie Edna Golding. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Florence Golding.

James attended school at Chamberlain Hunt Academy. He won numerous medals for his sharp shooter skills. He graduated on May 24, 1949.

Shortly thereafter he joined the United States Air Force and served his country for 21 years.

While stationed in Virginia he met the love of his life Florence. They were married on November 16, 1953.

During his Air Force career, the family lived in Eastern Shore, Virginia, and Massachusetts. James worked on the Texas Towers on the offshore Air Defense Radar.

The family was stationed in Winston Salem, North Carolina. James went remote to Germany for six months and Alaska for one year. He was then transferred to Key West for three years and his final base was Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, FL.

After his retirement he opened Golding's Florist. He also owned a Fina Gas Station. James and Flo opened Wedding's by Flo in 1979.

James enjoyed going out on his sailboat with family and friends to Shell Island. One of James' hobbies was the stock market. He loved playing the stock market. He loved figure skating and the Olympics. He also loved doing puzzles.

Those left to cherish his memory are his three children, Deborah Baxley (James), Karen Summers and one son, Rob Golding (Michelle). He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Lindy Matej (Jason), Amethyst Leyva, Kristie Welch (Jason), Josh Summers (Melisa), Matthew Summers, Daniel Golding and Weston Golding. He is survived by fourteen great grandchildren and one great-great grandson.

A private service was held on July 17, 2022.

Old Soldiers Never Die, They Just Fade Away.