James "Jim" Benjamin Longley, Jr.

James (Jim) Benjamin Longley Jr., 89, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home, on Thursday, April 23, 2020.

He leaves his wife of 58 years, Irene Longley, his daughter, Lynn Brown, his son, James (Dan) Longley, three grandchildren (Crystal Waite, Michelle Wulff and Jamie Williford) as well as three great-grandchildren (Veronica, Nathan and Jackson).

James Jr., son of James Sr. and Mildred Longley, was born in Washington D.C. on December 6th, 1930. During his lifetime he lived in Maryland, Georgia, North Carolina and Florida. For the last 36 years he was a resident of Jacksonville, FL.

Jim graduated from Duke University with a PHD in music. He joined the Navy during the Korean War and served on the Destroyer, the USS Rowe. He met his wife, Irene, at the lunch counter of Kresge’s in Atlanta, Georgia and they were married on November 19 ^th of 1961.

He was very involved with his church for many years. He helped lead the senior bible study, sang in the choir, and participated in the Disciples Men’s Group at Southside Christian Church on Atlantic Blvd. He was also the spiritual pillar of his family. He patiently and persistently steered his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren into the loving arms of our Savior, Jesus Christ. His children and grandchildren also fondly remember him as a gifted singer, train enthusiast, and storyteller. He had a talent for spinning original tales whose memorable characters came to life during the telling. He had a passion for books, puzzles, and crosswords and always had one within reach.

A celebration of life in his honor will be held in the future at a date to be determined. Donations to Hart Felt Ministries of Jacksonville, Florida are requested in lieu of flowers.