Jamie Dean Stafford (resident of Addison), passed on Friday, September 27, 2019 in Dallas, Texas surrounded by a group of women who loved him. He is survived by his mother, Betty; his two sisters, Charmaine and Sanita, and brother-in-law, Bob; his only daughter, Carla; grandchildren, Kylie and Logan; nieces and nephews; his best friend, Barbara and loyal dog, Handsome. He was preceded in death by Mason Jack and Kitty Stafford and Mary Fletcher.
Jamie was born in Wichita, Kansas on Friday, February 20, 1959. Over the years, this inquisitive, restless soul would call Florida; Hawaii; Puerto Rico; Texas and the U.S. Virgin Islands home. He lived with four-pawed companions by his side from his childhood friend, Flintstone, and beach pal, Max, to his pride and joy, Handsome.
As a young boy growing up in Texas, Jamie would accompany his father, Jack, on construction projects where he learned tricks of the trade. But the ocean would always be calling him.
In the 1990's, his bar, Calypso, was a major attraction on a surfer's beach in Rincon, Puerto Rico. With live music at night and the sound of laughter, Calypso brought magic to its patrons. Jamie's mother, Betty, would tell of the times that Jamie would buy a round of drinks for the bar just to see them smile. Jamie made lifelong friendships and impacted the heart of the city.
Living near the water was more than a lifestyle for Jamie. The water kept him calm and balanced even when faced with choppy seas in his life. He was never more at home than in swimming trunks, a t-shirt and sandals on a boat. Hurricanes never destroyed a building in San Juan or Saint Thomas that Jamie could not rebuild and make whole again.
Jamie made a living as a general contractor. He built hotels, restaurants and storefronts over the years inland and on the beach. He had a practical view of learning. He never met a meat that he could not tenderize, a vegetable he could not chop or a belly he could not fill. He was a self-taught home cook and avid bicyclist.
During a hot, summer, Texas day in 2010, Jamie found a little puppy on the street and brought him home. This puppy would ride around on Jamie's bicycle until the puppy could no longer balance on the back. Handsome made himself at home in the center of the house brightening up Jamie's daily life.
Later in his life, he spent as much time as possible with his daughter, Carla. Jamie often spoke of his unconditional love and immense pride for her. His daughter and grandchildren were the lights of his life. In her, he saw the same generosity and kindness that people said they saw in him--like father, like daughter. For his family and friends, he spent hours making elaborate meals and crafting wood art and painting.
Jamie was a fighter until the end. The world will be a quieter, less bright and less exciting place without him.
Rest in peace, Jamie Dean. Your smile will live on in those who loved you and were loved by you.
"Goodnight, you moonlight ladies. Rockabye sweet baby James. Deep greens and blues are the colors I choose.
Won't you let me go down in my dreams
And rockabye sweet baby James." - James Taylor "Sweet Baby James"
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