James M. Meloy Sr.

James M. Meloy, Sr. Lakeland – James M. Meloy, Sr., 94, passed away on May 26, 2025, at Lakeland Regional Health. Mr. Meloy was born in Lakeland, Florida on January 9, 1931, to the late Casper and Ollie Meloy. He served his country in both the U.S. Navy, as well as the U.S. Air Force, attaining the rank of Sgt. during the Korean War. He was a member of AMVETS Post 32 where he formerly served as Chaplain and member of the Honor Guard. Mr. Meloy’s career covered many industries, from being a machinist at the mines to serving as a pastor. He pastored in Haines City, FL, Orlando, FL, Pierre, SD, Jacksonville, FL and Lake City, FL. During his time in Pierre, he also served as the State Christian Education Director for the South Dakota District of the Assemblies of God. Mr. Meloy loved sports, especially football. His favorite football team was the original Baltimore Colts, and later the Tampa Bay Bucs. Boxing was another sport he enjoyed and even participated in while in the military. He loved all things frontier and western. Camping and outdoor activities, black powder rifles, shooting, and target practice were all activities he enjoyed. He led Royal Ranger programs and was a member of the Frontiersman fraternity of the Ranger program of the Royal Rangers. He was good with his hands and loved to work on mechanical things, as well do woodworking, like building small furniture items, as well as carpentry and remodeling projects. These are just a few of the many talents and abilities that he possessed. Mr. Meloy was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Meloy; and all of his siblings, Carl Meloy, Daniel Meloy, David Meloy, Eupha Hayes, Dorothy Morrison, Norma Coursey, Ruth Warner and Martha Irwin. He is survived by his sons, James “Buddy” (Abby) Meloy, Jr. and Timothy (Carol) Meloy; daughters, Linda (Mike) Massey and Melanie (Scott) Bryant; grandchildren, Brooklyn, Emma, Joshua, Christie, Tiffany, Jessica, Micah and Stevie; great-grandchildren, Malachi, Bentley, Bailee, Brinleigh, Aaron, Ruby, Josephine and James. A memorial service will be held Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 11 am at Gentry Morrison Southside Chapel, 1727 Bartow Road, Lakeland, FL 33801. Graveside service with military honors will be conducted Friday, June 6, 2025 at 1:30 pm at Florida National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the AMVETS, 1339 E. Gary Road, Lakeland, FL 33801.

James M. Meloy Sr.

January 9, 1931 - May 26, 2025