Frank "Jim" James Fore, Jr

It is with sad and heavy hearts that we announce Jim Fore, 91 years old, passed away Friday, December 23, 2022. He was born on November 26, 1931, to Frank Sr. and Elsie Fore and was a lifelong resident of Lakeland, FL. He attended the University of Florida and was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity.

Jim honorably served his country for four years in the United States Navy, including time in the Korean War, where he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. He served aboard numerous aircraft carriers including the USS Midway and the USS Coral Sea, having circumnavigated the globe with ports of call in many of the world's greatest cities. As a "red shirt" chief ordnanceman, he was responsible for building moving, mounting weapons, and arming his air wing's aircraft.

He was proud of achieving the 32nd degree as a Scottish Rite Mason. and of his service in the Elks Club and Kiwanis Club. He was also a Past Commodore of the Lakeland Yacht & Country Club. As President of Fore Oil Company, he grew the company that his father started into one of the largest Shell Oil jobbers in the southeastern U.S.

An avid outdoorsman, Jim fished and hunted as often as possible all over the world. He had great skills in finding fish. selecting the right lure and catching dinner. He knew the deepest interior of the Everglades like the back of his hand. He fished hundreds of lakes and rivers and virtually the entire coastline of Florida, the Bahamas, and numerous foreign waters. A consummate storyteller, a day on a boat with Jim could pass in what seemed like minutes. He was also an excellent shot and enjoyed dove quail, duck, and pheasant hunting with his countless friends. He was an avid golfer and a lifelong member of the Lone Palm Golf Club. He loved Florida sunsets and yelled at fireworks, but his loudest screams were reserved for a Florida Gator touchdown. He truly had orange and blue blood.

He was known by all for having a huge kind heart. He respected everyone, and most people he met respected him back. He never argued, bragged, or complained. His loyalty was legendary, and his word was a rock. If he said he was going to do something, he did it, at the time he said he would do it, and in the way, he said he would do it. Jim was quick to praise others and never too busy to talk. He had endless generosity and helped many family and friends whenever they needed anything A lover of crossword puzzles and reading, he read a novel a week, and he loved working in his workshop. He was a true renaissance man.

He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years Patricia (née McCarty); his son Scott (Jami) and his children Clare (Alex) and Callahan; his daughter Kathy (Bill) and their daughters Karry and Carley; and his son Andy (Linda) and their daughters Kelsie (Aaron) and Emily. He will be forever missed by many friends and family, but everyone should be comforted to know that he is now casting in his favorite fishing flats.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 5, 2023, at the First United Methodist Church, at 72 Lake Morton Dr. Lakeland FL 33801. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to the Peace River Center, Attn: Community Relations, P.O. Box 1559, Bartow, Florida 33831-1559 or Compassionate Care Hospice, Amedisys Foundation, 2393 El Griffin Road, Lakeland, Florida 33803.