James Fred Comander

James Fred Comander, 75, passed away January 1, 2024 of natural causes at his home in Miami. After spending his first decade in Chicago, Jim moved to Miami, a place he called home except for while he was earning his BA and JD from the University of Florida. Jim married the love of his life, Gayle, in 1971 and ran a thriving legal practice while always carving out time for his wife and two kids. A true family man at heart, Jim reserved Sundays for boating outings on the Comander Four, captaining us on Biscayne Bay for tubing, skiing, snorkeling and sleepovers. Maybe this is why he developed a passion for meteorology, earning the moniker Weather Dog. In retirement, he cherished his time with his grandkids. Pops, as he affectionately was called, did it all. He babysat and cheered from the sports sidelines when the kids were young and transitioned to texting, movie nights and long conversations as they grew older. And, of course, always rides in the convertible for surprise ice cream outings. To all family and friends lucky enough to be in his presence, Jim’s sense of humor was the life of any gathering and left everyone around him smiling and laughing. He will be missed but honored through us all. Jim is survived by wife Gayle, son Jason (Amy) Comander of Boston, daughter Lauren (Greg) Weintraub of Miami, and grandchildren Lily Comander, David Comander, Maya Weintraub and Chloe Weintraub. The funeral will be held Wednesday, January 3 at 1 p.m., followed by a shiva. Instead of flowers, please consider contributions to Miami Waterkeeper at

miamiwaterkeeper.org

A graveside service for James will be held Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Riverside Gordon Memorial Chapels at Mount Nebo (Kendall), 5900 SW 77th Ave, Miami, FL 33143.