James Coody

Age 85 of West Palm Beach, FL passed away January 12, 2013. He was born near McRae, Georgia to James and Deborah Coody on October 13, 1927. Jim served in the US Navy for two years aboard a troop transport. Here he learned the air conditioning and refrigeration trade. Upon his discharge, he returned to McRae and worked in the post office for seven years. Jim was ordained as a deacon at Helena Baptist Church in the early 1950s serving there until 1956 when he moved to West Palm Beach, FL. Here he, also, served as a deacon in Haverhill Baptist Church and Palm Springs Baptist Church. In these churches, he served in many other ministries. He retired in 1984 from a career as an air conditioning contractor. Jim became a member of the Gideons International in 1971, holding several state and local offices. His greatest passion was working as the state New Member Coordinator - enlisting men to commit to this worthy ministry. As a Gideon, he participated in many Bible placements throughout Florida and also in Venezuela. Jim used his many skills and talents serving with the Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief Team. He helped with the cleanup and rebuilding after hurricanes in Homestead and Venice, FL and after the ?Big Flood? in Albany, GA. Jim loved his Lord and served Him faithfully as a willing servant, loving husband and father, and a compassionate friend. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Louise; children, Mervyl Sloan (Don), Jim Coody (Heidi) of Houston, TX; daughter-in-law, Gina Cody of Birmingham, AL; grandchildren: Shawn, Brett, Ryan, Megan, Michael (wife, Maegan), Tyler and Keri; great grandchildren, Brandon and Devon. He was preceded in death by his son, Gary Cody. Friends may visit from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Wednesday, January 16 at Palm Springs Baptist Church, 3300 10th Avenue North, Palm Springs, 33461. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Lake Worth Memory Gardens. In lieu, please make donations to Gideons International (www.Gideons.org) or Palm Springs Baptist Church.