Condolences from Scott Boeren.  Living in Illinois, we didn’t see each other often but will always remember you. Proud to share Batts blood with you and will see you again in Heaven.

He was my Big brother,  I  worked with him at his garage (shop) he taught me a lot about cars,   and also was becoming of age to move out on my own, and he was moving back to Tampa around the same time,  I  moved in and shared appartment with him,  Sure going to miss  my Brother Jim ! But I know he's in the arms of Jesus. Love You,  Miss You ❤️

Our most heartfelt condolences. Praying that God's love brings you peace, strength, and comfort during this difficult time.

“The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart.” — Psalm 34:18 (KJV)

With love and prayers,
Julie and Billy Christensen

We worked together at Suburban Propane but didn’t get to know each other personally until about 2019 when we met at the golf course. From there on we played once or twice a week. What a caring , friendly and smiling man. He made my day every time we talked or got together. I am so grateful to have been his friend and played golf regularly with Jim. And he was a good golfer.  I pray for Betty and Kelly and I know he is watching from that beautiful golf course in heaven, probably shooting par. Thanks Jim Batts. RIP.

The first picture was taken at a Christmas Eve party at Grandpa and Grandma Batts’ house in the mid 1960’s. Grandma Irene wrote a poem about her “Lucky Seven “ grandsons. Jimmy is the first boy on the left in back row. 
Of course the other picture is more recently taken at a Christmas party at the park. Same boys. Just a little older. Jimmy is first one on right in front row. May these good times live on in our hearts forever.

A great photo of all of the Batts family  a few years ago.

I started college 2 weeks after my high school graduation and left Tampa at 20 years old, so I didn't really get to know adult Jimmy until I returned to Florida at age 65.  I admired his great sense of humor, determination to complete everything he started as well as his complete devotion to Bettye and Kelly. 
Jimmy's passions included fishing and golfing and building.  John and I always chatted with him about those things during our many phone visits. I remember his butterfly house project that he completed to perfections in his back yard, and how proud he was of it.  Jimmy was smart, caring, and always smiling. His strong determination to always do his best never left him . Even as he fought to regain his functions of speech and mobility after his respiratory arrest in September. 
We are so happy and thankful that we got to visit him   several times in the hospital and the rehab center. These visits were so full  of wonderful memories and we will always cherish them.

Love you brother in law! I remember the first time I met you. We were at grandma Pearls and it was my son Scott’s first time in Florida. He was amazed at the lizards running around and just like that you snapped your hand and caught him one😊. We still talk about it to this day. You made a little boy so happy. Yes, your smile would light up a room!! Miss and love you!
           Theresa

Betty and Kelly,
I'm so sorry for your loss.  I worked with Jim here at Suburban Propane, and it was always a pleasure to see him.  He always had such a smile on his face.  I visited him this past Sunday, and he still had that smile.  Little did I know then, that he would pass the next morning.   He was such a wonderful coworker and he spoke of his family often,  and shared memories.  This is truly a loss of a kind and giving man.  I'm sure he is still smiling on us from Heaven.  God Bless you and Kelly.

Laura B

OBITUARY

James Earl Batts Jr.

August 10, 1950 – October 12, 2026

Robert Toale & Sons Funeral Home at Manasota Memorial Park

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