James Patrick Landers

James (Jim) Patrick Landers, age 72, of North Miami, Florida passed away peacefully on Monday, January 13, 2025. Born in Jamaica, Queens, New York, on March 17, 1952, Jim was the son of Robert Lander and Helen Yingst. At the age of 5, he was placed in the care of James and Betty Iverson in Staten Island, New York. In 1962, he was reunited with his family in Florida where he graduated high school from Miami Central and went on to earn an associates degree.

On February 23,1979 he married his wife Patricia Kelley. They both shared a love for the outdoors. They went camping, bike riding, and canoeing. Their favorite place to vacation to was Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They always made sure to spend a day bike riding the 11 mile path through Cades Cove.

On December 26, 1984, their daughter Laura was born. Jim was a dedicated father. He enjoyed taking Laura to piano lessons, gymnastics, dance lessons, and to church. He instilled a love in her for adventure and the outdoors by taking her white water rafting, camping, and skiing.

He was a loving grandfather to five grandchildren. To them he was their Tapa. He loved being involved in their activities and a visit with him always ended with some dessert.

Jim dedicated much of his life to his work for his church, a role in which he took great pride. He served faithfully and with great joy. He taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, drove the church bus, assisted with Wednesday night dinners, served as a deacon and used his artistic abilities to create sets for the church's seasonal children's programs at Stanton Memorial Baptist Church. He would later serve at Miami Shores Baptist Church.

An avid cyclist, photographer, and passionate food lover, Jim had a zest for life. Whether he was riding along scenic paths, capturing beautiful moments through his lens, or enjoying a meal with family and friends, he embraced each day with joy and gratitude.

Jim will be remembered for his kind heart, sense of humor, warm spirit, and devotion to his faith and family. He touched many lives with his generosity and was always ready to lend a helping hand. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A fellowship for James will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Caballero Rivero Southern Funeral Home, 15011 West Dixie Highway, North Miami, Florida 33181. A memorial service will follow from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. An interment will take place at 2:15 PM at Caballero Rivero Southern Memorial Park, 15000 W Dixie Highway, North Miami Beach, Florida 33181.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Helen, father, Robert, step-mother, Alice Beatty, step mother, Mary, foster mother, Betty Iverson, foster father, James Iverson, brother Raymond Manfredi, brother Lee Manfredi, his brother Wayne Beatty and Colette. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years Patricia, daughter, Laura Wells (Josh), grandsons, Tyler, Brad, Nathan, Shane, and granddaughter, Rachel. He is also survived by his siblings, Susie, Bobby, Tommy, Mike, Josh, Becky, Al and Michael, his aunt Janet, Sister-in-Laws Kelly, Pauline and Beth, nephews, Joey and Michael, nieces, Jessica and Nova, and many other family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to One More Child, an organization that serves children in the foster care system.

https://onemorechild.org/give/