It is with great sadness that the family of James (Jim) Julian Long announces his passing on Wednesday, November 28, 2018, at the age of 75. Born February 4, 1943, in Hollywood, AL. Jim is lovingly remembered by his wife of 50 years, Sadako Long; daughters, Julia (Robert) Painter and Jane Long; Grandsons, Brandon, Liam, and James Woolard; Granddaughters, Cordelia Painter and Sophia Woolard; Brother, Ted (Edith) Freeman; Nieces, Tracy Leon, Lyssa (Kevin) Borkenhagen, Kristen (Jeremy) Jackson; and his beloved dog, Daisy. He was predeceased by his father, James A.O. Long and his mother, F. Pauline Freeman.
Growing up in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Jim graduated from Kirkman Technical High School and attended the University of Tennessee Chattanooga prior to joining the U.S. Navy. During his 22-year Naval career, he experienced history, serving 3 tours in Vietnam, during which he was part of the unit that set up the World’s First mobile frozen blood bank. While serving on the USS Iwo Jima, he was part of the medical team caring for the Apollo 13 astronauts on their return to Earth. He became a Physician’s Assistant, graduating from The University of Nebraska. The military took him and his family to California, Florida, Virginia, Texas and Japan. He was active in Scouting, achieving an Eagle Scout ranking and Order of the Arrow, and volunteering both as a Scoutmaster for The Boy Scouts of America and a Girl Scout Leader for his daughters. He enjoyed long distance running and completed a 62K coast-to-coast run across Japan. Following Jim’s retirement from the Navy, he continued his education and received his Medical Doctorate from the American University of the Caribbean. He continued to practice as a Physician’s Assistant, caring for patients at Cathedral Gerontology Center, Mental Health Resource Center, St. Vincent Primary Care Clinic on 103rd St Jacksonville, FL, Baptist Primary Care in Callahan, FL, Gateway Community Services, and River Region Human Services.
Jim was a kind and caring man, a great son, brother, husband, father, uncle, “Papa”, and friend to all who knew him. He will truly be missed.
A visitation will be held 6-8 PM Thursday December 6, 2018, funeral service will be at 11 AM Friday, December 7, 2018 at HARDAGE-GIDDENS RIVERMEAD FUNERAL HOME 127 Blanding Blvd Orange Park, FL 32073. A committal service will follow at 2 PM at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd Jacksonville, FL 32218. Arrangements are under the care of HARDAGE-GIDDENS RIVERMEAD FUNERAL HOME, 127 Blanding Blvd Orange Park, FL 32073. We invite you to leave words of comfort at www.hardage-giddensrivermead.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Advent Lutheran Church, 2156 Loch Rane Boulevard, Orange Park, FL 32073, or online at www.Adventop.org.
