James Leo Melanson

James was the son of Florence and Leo, born in the small town of Kittanning PA, population 12. He was married to Helen for 52 years until her passing in 2002. He had 5 children, Pam (spouse Alvin), James (spouse Rhonda), George (passed 2003), Linda (spouse Martin) and Susan. He was a grandfather (Papa) to 9 Grandchildren and 7 Great-Grandchildren.

His first job was as a paperboy, he said because it gave him an excuse of being late to school. Then he began work as a service technician on Semi Trucks; designing clever ways of lifting tires twice his size. He joined the Navy in 1948 as a Mineman and served his country for 21 years, retiring as a E-9 Senior Chief (ICCS). His knowledge and love of mechanics took him to Anheuser Busch where he retired again after 22 years.

His next passion in life was dancing. He loved to visit dance halls and clubs to show his smooth moves; Cha-Cha, rumba, waltz he could do it. James enjoyed a full life of love, laughter, and family.

Visitation will be held at Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home, 850 St Johns Bluff Road North, Jacksonville, FL 32225 on April 22, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. A funeral service at the same location will begin at 1:00 pm, followed by a committal service at Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Memory Gardens.