James Carl Childers

His final days were under the tender loving and watchful care of his wife “Sweet Cele” and Hospice of the Nature Coast.

James’ life adventure began as the son of Burl and Adeline Moore Childers on April 29, 1939 in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. He joined his beloved United States Navy in 1959. He attended boot camp in San Diego and went on to sonar oceanography school in Key West, Florida. His first tour of duty was at St. Nicholas Island, California and his second tour was in Pacific Beach, Washington. In 1961 he changed his rating to aviation electronics technician. Following graduation from `A’ school at NATTC Memphis, Tenn., he reported to Naval Station Trinidad, British West Indies. He then reported back to NATTC Memphis where he attended `B’ school. In 1964, he reported to VAH-11 in Sanford, Florida. Following completion of this tour, he once again returned to NATTC Memphis, this time for Instructor Training School. James then reported to NAMTD North Island, California as an instructor. In 1970 he was selected to participate in the associate degree completion program at Southwestern College in San Diego where he graduated Cum Laude with an associate degree. Other commands he has served with include VA 25 in Lemoore, California and at the Bureau of Naval Personnel as an enlisted detailer. James has served as command master chief for two NAS Jacksonville squadrons: VP 24 and VP 56; and for VS Wing One at NAS Cecil Field. He traveled the world, received numerous service awards and retired in 1989 as Command Master Chief of Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, Florida.

He is survived by James’ wife of 18 years, Cecile Childers of Palatka, Fl., sons and daughters-in-law Roger and Johanna Childers of Callahan, Fl., Frank “Trell” and Danielle Williams of Jacksonville, Fl., daughter Nora Girgis of Orange Park, Fl., daughter and son-in-law Andrew and Jeanie Lee Childers-Miller, Okeechobee, Fl., granddaughter Chloe Shae Williams. Former spouse Dorothy Childers of Orange Park, Florida. Dear friend Mrs. Paula Joy Ennis of Jackson, TN. and other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 PM Friday, May 13, 2011. Funeral service will be 11:00 AM Saturday, May 14, 2011 all located at Town and Country Funeral Home. Burial will follow to Riverside Memorial Park in Jacksonville, Florida.

Arrangements were entrusted to Town and Country Funeral Home 7242 Normandy Blvd Jacksonville, Fl. 32205. 904-781-9262 www.townandcountryfuneralhome.com