James Caldwell Handly Jr.

HANDLY, James Caldwell Jr., passed away on March 30, 2024, after braving a long illness. James Handly was born on August 1, 1932, in Tampa, the son of James Caldwell Handly, Sr. and Helen Addison Handly. His wife and partner of 42 years, Patricia Lewis Handly, was by his side with unwavering love.

He attended Roosevelt Elementary, Wilson Junior High and Plant High School. He graduated high school from The McCallie School in Chattanooga, TN. He earned a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering degree from Georgia Institute of Technology in 1958 and was a member of Alpha Tau Omega. After Georgia Tech he earned a Law Degree at the University of Florida. To all of which he stayed loyal as a proud alumnus.

James was a lifelong, diehard Yankees fan. His happiest moments began as a young child getting to watch the great players including Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams during annual Florida spring training camps. Well into his 80's he would volunteer at the Yankees training camp games.

After graduating from Georgia Tech as a chemical engineer, he worked at US Phosphoric in Tampa. He would later begin a career practicing law. In his final decades, he traveled the country directing and umpiring professional tennis tournaments for the USTA as a Pro Circuit Supervisor

Jim proudly served in the US Army Counterintelligence Corp. Jim was a member of the American Legion Post #5. James loved history and was a voracious reader of all things. He was a member of the Friday Morning Musicale and a supporter of the Shriners in memory of his father. He and Patricia also loved traveling. Jim never met a stranger and thrived on sharing endless stories and jokes that had his listeners enthralled.

James is survived by his wife Patricia Lewis Handly, his children he shared with Ann Marr Handly: Katherine Owen (Jim), JC Handly III (Scott Blackwell), grandchildren Kelsey Coleman (Nick), Matthew Owen and great grandchildren Owen and Elle, his nephew Eric Dodd and his brothers- in-law Levan Lewis (Betty) and Gary Lewis (Sharon) and 5 nieces,1 nephew, 6 great nieces, and 5 great nephews.

Jim attended Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church, 3501 W. San Jose Street and funeral service will be held there on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 2:00 PM, with a reception following. Burial to follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery, 4207 East Lake Avenue. Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at Blount & Curry Funeral Home, 605 S. MacDill Avenue from 4:00-7:00 PM. If desired, donations may be made in his memory to the Friday Morning Musicale (833)366-8672, or Egypt Temple Shriners (813)281-0300.