James Russell ("Jim") Moody, III, of Panama City, Florida, passed away on June 25, 2024, in his home and surrounded by family.  He was 80 years old.

Jim was born on December 14, 1943 in Orlando, Florida to J. R. Moody, Jr. & Letitia Ross ("Tish") Corbitt Moody.  Tish died when Jim was 9 years old and he was blessed by his father's marriage in 1953 to Jean Louise Waller, who he lovingly called "Mother" until her death in 2001.

Jim attended Cove Grammar School, Cherry Street Elementary, Jinks Jr. High, and Bay High School (class of 1961) before attending The University of Southern Mississippi and receiving his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Accounting.  As a graduate student, Jim taught accounting classes, which he enjoyed greatly and nearly made into a career.

Jim was introduced to his college sweetheart Joyce Elayne Kendrick, a Panama City girl and also a Southern Miss student, by his good friend Glenn Cooper, Jr..   Glenn was dating Joyce's sister Sylvia, who he later married, and encouraged the pairing. Jim and Joyce were married at First Presbyterian Church, Panama City, FL on August 24, 1968. They celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary this past year.

After a thought to becoming a college accounting professor, Jim came home and joined his father, J.R. Moody, Jr. at Florida Asphalt Paving Co. spending the next 36 years as a road contractor and eventually managing partner, along with his brother Bill Moody and Tom Vickers.  During this time, Jim followed his father as a shareholder and director of Commercial Bank with long time mentor and friend M.G. "Bubber" Nelson.

Jim served on several community boards, including the Port of Panama City and the Bay County Chamber of Commerce. He was very involved with Central Little League and served as President in 1981-1982 where his sons and their friends enjoyed many years of youth baseball.  Jim supported his community, cooking and providing for wild game dinners, fish frys, and other events benefiting: the Boys Club, Central Little League, the Panhandle Gator Club and the Panama City Rescue Mission. In 1998, Jim was honored to receive the Lauren Merriam Award from the Bay County Chamber of Commerce for "his commitment to the community's well-being, as exemplified by involvement in civic, charitable and/or endeavors contributing to the betterment of Bay County and the benefit of its citizens."

Jim was a talented pianist and passionate outdoorsmen.  His greatest joy was sharing these activities with his family. He spent a significant portion of his life at the Moody Farm in Youngstown, Moody's Pasture near Ebro, and in the Gulf where he grew up working the fishing "party" boats for tourists.  At age 8, Jim was pictured in the News Herald after shooting "two turkeys" in-one shot, a famous family photo.  Now that the statute of limitations has run out, it was actually three-in-one shot which was one over the legal limit.  His father, who witnessed the event, thought the story lacked believability, so they better just take a picture with two turkeys.    As to piano playing, God blessed him with the ability to "play by ear."  He never learned to read music but could play most songs after a couple of "listens" and then just sort of working it out on the keys.  He enjoyed entertaining his family most evenings with a mini-concert, performing his favorite songs, which included "Moonlight Sonata" and the theme from "Ice Castles" among many other family favorites, often taking requests.

Jim loved spending time with his "cronies" at various early morning breakfast spots and afterwards driving the wheels off his Suburban checking on property or scouting for turkey sign.   Friends and family would often find coolers Jim left full of ice, drinks, or maybe sweet corn on their front porch (but you better return the cooler, it has JIM MOODY stenciled on the lid and sides!).  He was amazed by his smart phone and enjoyed learning new tricks on how to use it from his grandkids.  He often emailed friends, but never lost the love of writing his own hand-written letters.

Jim was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church of Panama City, where he was baptized.  Jim attended First Baptist Church of Panama City and was a member of Ron Sarvis' men's Sunday School class. Jim was a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, a faith that grew stronger and matured during his entire lifetime.

Jim is survived by his faithful wife Joyce, and a loving and grateful family: sons James R. "Jay" Moody, IV (Amy) and John Kendrick Moody.   Four grandchildren, James R. "Jake" Moody, V (Meghan), Kyle S. Moody, Lauren Elayne Moody and Jefferson R. Moody; Jim's sisters Jane M. Parker, Corine M. Kasler, and brother Bill Moody (Shirley), and many other devoted family members.  Jim was blessed to have too many best friends to list.

A special thank you to his compassionate caregivers BJ, Carmen, Fayon, Amanda, Imani and Sarah.

A visitation will be held at First Baptist Church of Panama City Fellowship Hall (former Sanctuary located at 6th Street and Harrison Avenue) on Monday, July 1st from 4 to 6 pm.  There will be a private family graveside ceremony the following day.   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Panama City, Holy Nativity Episcopal School or a charity of your choice.