James Collum Noell

Jim passed away in Ocala, Fl on Jan. 27, 2019 from a complication from his Parkinson’s disorder. He was born in Athens, GA on Nov. 25, 1942 to Walter C. and Ethel C. Noell. Through his school years, he carried the newspapers on his bike, worked in a grocery store and in an ice cream soda shop. In high school he played trumpet in the Athens H.S. band and excelled in archery in the Boy Scouts receiving the award of the National Order of the Arrow. He entered the U. of GA where he received his Business Administration degree. He was a member of the U. of GA Red Coat Band.

He started off his career as Boy Scouts of America District Scouting Director, and where for four summers he was aquatics director for the National Boy Scouts Jamborees. He spent the next fifteen years in St. Augustine, FL at the FL School for the Deaf and Blind as director of Personnel.

Jim came to Ocala, FL at the request of school superintendent, Skip Archibald, to serve in Employee Relations. Through the years he served the school board as Supervisor of Human Resources and Chief Negotiator. He was liked by all because of his fairness and desire to treat others compassionately. He worked with the desire to bring win-win results for all. He loved going to the schools and stopping by the cafeterias for freshly baked cookies. He was soft spoken, always choosing the right words. His exceptional low-key personality helped him to successfully negotiate with the three unions for the Marion County schools five thousand employees with various demands. This he did until he retired. He enjoyed being on a bowling team for fifteen years. He like canoeing and watching football – GO DAWGS!

He spent his vacations traveling and loved the Blue Ridge Mountains the best, but even better than that he loved being home with his family. He beamed with pride when his grandchildren would share their accomplishments and their time with him.

He received awards for his personal organizations, FL Educators of America and the National Association of Educator Negotiators. He contributed to his community by donating fifteen gallons of blood to the local blood bank over his life time. He enjoyed playing Santa Claus for many years for the children at the FL School for Deaf and Blind. He rang the bells in the Ocala downtown square during the Christmas season for the Salvation Army. He worked to promote the United Way and the Consumer Credit Counseling. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Elks. Jim was also a member of the Maricamp Rd. Church of Christ where he served as a deacon.

He is preceded in death by his father and mother. Jim is survived by his wife, four sons, four daughters, fourteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

He goes to a far better place. The endearing mannerisms of this Southern gentleman with his kindness and gentleness will be missed by those left behind.

Funeral services will be held at the Maricamp Rd. Church of Christ, 2750 S.E. Maricamp Rd. Ocala, FL on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 11:00 AM. Come a little earlier for the viewing. In lieu of flowers, a gift in his memory can be made to www. Parkinsonsof CF.org.