James Alfred Florant

James Alfred Florant Jr. of Port St. John, Florida, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2024, at Cape Canaveral Hospital in Cocoa Beach, Florida, with his wife Debbie and son Michael by his side. He was born on January 14, 1941, in Philadelphia, PA, to James Alfred Florant Sr. and his wife Sharlot.

James, affectionately known as “Jim” or “Jimmy,” was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who touched the lives of all who knew him. He is survived by his current wife, Debbie; his son Michael (Jill) and grandchildren Alyssa and Matthew; great-grandchildren Lola and James; daughter Tammy (James); and grandchildren Chase and Cassidy. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Joyce Florant, in 2013 after a long battle with cancer in which Jim was by her side until the end.

Jim was blessed to have two women in his life that loved him dearly and through his second wife Debbie, he was given the gift of a bonus family including son Troy (Laurie) and grandchildren Nathan and Allison, daughter Heather (Travis) and grandchildren Nicholas and Abigail. Jim loved them dearly as if they were his own. Jim leaves behind a blended total of 4 children, 8 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren, and his faithful companion, Bailey.

Jim served his country proudly in the US Navy as a Boatswain's Mate on the Gearing-class destroyer, USS John R. Craig. He was proud of his military service and passed his patriotism on to his son and grandsons, who have all served in the US Military.

Around 1976, after working the waters of North Carolina, Jim moved his family to Chincoteague Island, Va., to continue working as a commercial fishing boat captain, where he eventually served as both Captain and Fleet Manager for American Original Corporation. The American Original clam boats, known to locals as “the blue boats”, were a visible mainstay for many years as you crossed the old Chincoteague Bridge. His career as a commercial fisherman spanned over 40 years, during which he harvested everything that came from the sea, including clams, quahogs, oysters, scallops, fish, shrimp, and crabs. His vast knowledge and love for the sea took him all along the Eastern Seaboard, Nova Scotia and Iceland.

Throughout his life, Jim enjoyed hobbies that included running, martial arts, windsurfing, scuba diving, traveling in the RV, playing golf and enjoying the beach. Being an avid waterman and sailor, he also owned a sailboat that took him and his family up and down the Intercoastal Waterway and to Bermuda. Jim was known for his quick wit, sense of humor, and love for Jimmy Buffett’s music that he was listening to the moment he passed.

A private memorial will be held to honor Jim's life, family, and legacy. A special message of gratitude goes out to the kind and wonderful people of Health First Hospice and Cape Canaveral Hospital for their care and support during his final days. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that you make a donation to your local animal shelter because his beloved Bailey was a rescue.

James Alfred Florant Jr. will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His spirit, laughter, and love for life will continue to inspire those who carry his memory in their hearts. May he rest in peace, knowing he touched the world with his kindness and warmth.

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