James McAllister Greathead

James McAllister Greathead died peacefully on January 16, 2025. He was born on February 15, 1938, in Georgetown, British Guyana, the second child of Bertie and Christine Greathead. Dad is preceded in his death by his beloved wife of 62 years Julie, his son Michael James Greathead and his grandson Michael McCallister Greathead. Dad was also the last living sibling of Anne Sullivan, Peter Greathead and their youngest brother Philip, lost less than a year ago. Dad is survived by 4 of his 5 children: Lorian (John Roethein), Abigail (Gary Legg), William (Sandy Kelly) and Joanne Tomlinson.

One of Dad’s greatest joys was his grandchildren: Kyle Roethlein, Michael Greathead, Samuel Padgett, Christine Tomlinson, Patrick (Michelle) Kelly and Adam Kelly. He loved any event they attended from family gatherings to the many baseball and softball games played over the years. Taking them for ice cream was the tradition at the Thursday dinner gatherings, a longtime family event. The Thanksgivings, Christmas’, birthdays over a lifetime, there are too many to name.

Our dad was a 20-year Navy veteran who joined the service at 17 and achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer. He was attached to various carrier units serving on the USS Forrestal, USS Enterprise and USS Intrepid working within the Helicopter Squadrons in electronics. His time in the military took our family from Brunswick, Maine to Jacksonville, Fla. Retiring in 1976 the family left military life and moved to the then boondocks of Mandarin. Dad built his and Mom’s dream house on an acre in the country.

Dad started at the Post Office not long after retiring from the miliary. He spent about 25 years there working behind the scenes as an engineer before retiring completely in the late 1990’s. Retirement was a relative term as our father always busied himself with projects around the house. And if he wasn’t working on his own house, he was working on one of ours. Dad was the ultimate handyman, and he was generous with his talents.

Dad was an avid golfer; he enjoyed playing with his Navy buddies or often with our brother Bill. They had a special bond and spent some great time on the golf course. He and mom enjoyed long drives, going out to eat, and time with their grandchildren and family.

Dad will join our mother at the Jacksonville National Cemetery with full military honors. Fair winds and following seas, the world is round dear father, we shall see you again.