OBITUARY
James D. "Big Jim" Selvey
December 9, 1936 – July 20, 2014
Selvey, James D. “Big Jim”, age 77, of Brandon, entered into eternal rest July 20, 2014. The son of Col. Eston & Mary Selvey (deceased) and a native of Tampa, Florida, Jim was the husband of Cheryl to whom he was married over 37 years. He was the father of Roy Elden Selvey (deceased) and Maylyn Patricia Selvey (deceased), James Dennis Selvey and Jessica Roberts-Atkins. He has one grandson, Ely Roberts, and six granddaughters, Katie, Barbara, Anna, Maylyn Rose, Jayme Christine and Emily Grace. He has two great grandchildren. He was known in a wide range of circles due to his many interests in life. He never stopped studying as he would often say you can learn something new everyday. Jim was a person who enjoyed meeting new people, making new friends, and extending a helping hand wherever possible. Jim’s life allowed him to travel extensively due to his father’s military career. He lived in or visited every state in the union including Alaska and Hawaii. He went to school in Germany and after graduation from Auburn University spent eight years in Central America running a plywood manufacturing facility. In the Canal Zone he again became involved with the Boy Scouts. This led to his participation in the annual ocean to ocean canoe race where he rowed a canoe from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean through the Panama Canal. He has been involved in Scouting for over 68 years, having served as Scout Master, Ass’t. Scout Master, Troop Committee Chairman, District Committee, District Chairman, and Council Executive Committee. He was awarded the Silver Beaver, District Award of Merit, the St. George Medal, the William D. Boyce award, and the Daniel Carter Beard award. He has served Troop 111 of Brandon as its Committee Chairman since its inception. Jim’s activities as a public servant include service in South Carolina as a City Council Member and in Hillsborough County as a County Commissioner. He served two terms before stepping down due to term limits, but later volunteered as a Special Magistrate to hear cases involving Code Enforcement and Red Light Camera infractions. As a County Commissioner he wore several hats, serving as Chairman of EPC for four years, Chairman of the Transportation Commission four years, Sport Authority two Years, Airport Authority two years, and the Metropolitan Planning Organization for one year. After he went off the Board, he became heavily involved in the Greater Tampa Association of Realtors serving as its Centennial President in 2011. He was an active, outgoing, and friendly person who will be missed by many. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 29, 2014 at Stowers Funeral Home. The family will receive friends Monday 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Crippled Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Florida 33607, or to Boy Scout Troop 111 of Brandon, 3802 Treadway Drive, Valrico, FL 33594 in James' memory.
Services
- Visitation Monday, July 28, 2014
- Funeral Service Tuesday, July 29, 2014
REMEMBERING
James D. "Big Jim" Selvey
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RECEIVE UPDATESBarbara Lucier
October 7, 2014
Cheryl, I just read about the passing of Jim. I am so sorry to hear. My prayers are for you and your family. You and Jim were my neighbors when we lived in Brandon on Village Court. I babysat Jimmy and Jessica when they were very young. I think of you often and remember all the goods times we had.
Barbara Lucier
Charles Sansone
August 14, 2014
"Big Jim" was just that in every way. He will be more than missed. Julie's and my hearts go out to Cheryl and the family.
Chuck Sansone
Vicki Spence
July 30, 2014
Cheryl, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Vicki Spence
July 30, 2014
Cheryl and Family, so sorry to hear of your loss. My Family and I shared many good times with you and Jim, I feel your loss! RIP Brother and Friend!
Gene Halsey
Janet Swilley
July 28, 2014
Janet Swilley
July 28, 2014
Jim was like a granddaddy to me. Always full of wonderful advice and stories. After my Daddy died I told him I wouldn't have anyone to talk to about the BIG decisions anymore. He assured me he would be there for me and he was true to his word. We made many trips together to Tallahassee and Washington DC with Greater Tampa Association of Realtors to speak to the legislators about real estate issues. We also attended many conventions, committee meeting and political events together. he and his wife Cheryl were always a joy to travel with as well. We always laughed and had a good time even though we were out working hard. I will always hold my memories of Big Jim near and dear to my heart.
Ed Turanchik
July 28, 2014
Serving with Jim on the County Commission was an honor and extraordinary pleasure. Though we had different views of the world and politics, Jim embraced me as a friend and colleague on my first day on the County Commission. In a world where few sterotypes ring true, Jim was the epitome of a southern gentleman. Courteous, cheerful, charitable and jocular, Jim could bring a smile to friend and opponent alike. We shared many quiet, humor laced moments during our two years of shared service. To him, potholes knew no politics, and he always worked hard to serve his constituents and our community. The world would be a finer place if all public work was undertaken with such spirited and well meaning service. I shall always cherish our many shared experiences and many private jokes and stories. Big Jim shall occupy a big place in my memories, not because of his physical size, but because of his huge heart and unshakeable spirit. Rest in Peace, Big Jim. We will miss you.
July 28, 2014
We will miss Jim very much at EPC as he was a frequent visitor, well known by staff, and very friendly. He always had a good suggestion for improvements and demonstrated a caring attitude. He was lately a member of our Business Feedback Group, never missed a meeting and always contributed to the discussions. May Jim rest in peace and blessings to his family.
Rick Garrity
July 28, 2014
It was an honor to work with Big Jim on the Hillsborough County Code Enforcement Board and Special Magistrate. He served on both with distinction and rendered fair and just decisions. He was always friendly and a pleasure to work with. We also loved his ties. He will be sorely missed.
Friends and Staff of Citizen Boards Support of Hillsborough County.
Henry Brosnaham
July 28, 2014
Big Jim was a friend,former partner, and always a kind person. He always seemed to see the "Brighter" side of things.He will be missed by many, but never forget that if we live long enough, we'll all join him one day! Rest In Peace, Big Jim! :)
Jamal Hussamy
July 27, 2014
Jim will be missed. He was a Giant of a friend. May the Lord Bless his soul and bless his family during their trying time.
Milton Foley
July 26, 2014
One of the first people I met upon my arrival in Brandon so many years ago, was Jim Selvey. He immediately took my heart in his big hand and wouldn't let it go. He was a good, outgoing man,touching many lives, in many ways and many generations. He was a true friend, in every definition of the word. I will miss him every day.
Suzanne joins me in offering our sincere condolences and love to Cheryl and the entire family in this trying time.
Jim Armitage
July 26, 2014
Cheryl and family, may the peace of our Lord remain with you always.
Sue Casto-Musser
July 26, 2014
Cheryl and family, I am so sorry to learn of your loss and send my thoughts and prayers your way. I knew Jim a lifetime ago during our years at Speedling, and he was always so full of life and energy. We knew when he was in the room and were glad he was there. I know you will miss him, but you must be rich in memories, which I hope will help you to smile as you think of him.
John Ryals
July 25, 2014
The last time I saw Big Jim was at Milton Foleys birthday party in December 2013. I had lost a lot of strength in my legs due to a back problem, so after sitting at the kitchen table for some time I did not have the strength to stand up. Big Jim was standing next to me and said not a problem. He stood behind me and with one hand under each arm pit picked me up like I was a feather. I thanked him and assured him I was fine and could make it to my car. He would not take no for an answer and walked with me to my car.
I have known Big Jim for many years. First as a county comminissor then as my Broker when I got my Real Estate license. He was a true friend and I will miss him. He truly was one of the good guys that gave so much to the benefit of so many. My sincere condolences to the family.
John Ryals
George Mountain
July 25, 2014
"My sincere condolences to you Cheryl, Jimmy, Jessica, and the family. You guys were the greatest neighbors every. I, Susie, and Kevin are forever in your debt. My God be with you and comfort you and family. love always, George
July 25, 2014
Love, Love, Love this man and his family.....rest peacefully Mr. Selvey....
Delinda Bellows Johnson
July 25, 2014
My sincere condolences to you Cheryl, your children, grandchildren and your family. I remember the day Jim walked into Commissioner Paulk's office with a mutual friend and asked me to work for him should he be elected. Well, the rest is history. He was kind, considerate of others, and a pleasure to work for. I know he will be missed by many
Nikki Foster
July 25, 2014
My sincere condolences to you Cheryl, your children, grandchildren and your family. I remember the day Jim walked into Commissioner Paulk's office with a mutual friend and asked me to work for him should he be elected. Well, the rest is history. He was kind, considerate of others, and a pleasure to work with. I know he will be missed by many
FROM THE FAMILY
IN THE CARE OF