Jimmy was born March 5, 1957 in Wilson, North Carolina to Darlene Naomi Ellen and James Reece Deans Sr. At the age of two he moved with his parents to the Daytona Beach area where he lived for the remainder of his life.
Jimmy graduated from Seabreeze High School in 1975 where he was an accomplished football player, weightlifter and drummer in the jazz band. He was also an avid surfer and competed in many of Eastern Surfing Association’s championship events. In the early 1970’s Jimmy began sailing Hobie Cats and was a charter member of Daytona’s Hobie Fleet 80. His lifelong love of sailing spanned almost five decades during which time he sailed both recreationally and competitively.
Jimmy was a proud firefighter/EMT and began his career with the Daytona Beach Shores Fire Department in 1982. He worked there for six years as a Lieutenant and Captain prior to being hired at Kennedy Space Center where he spent the majority of his professional career. At KSC Jimmy was a member of special teams trained in HazMat as well as astronaut search and rescue for the Space Shuttle Program.
When Jimmy wasn’t sailing you could usually find him out socializing with friends, both old and new, somewhere along a waterfront. If not there, then he was likely home watching Florida Gators football and/or making his world famous salsa.
Jimmy’s charisma, generosity and enthusiasm for life will forever be remembered by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to “Hoods for Heroes”, an organization which works to reduce occupational head and neck cancers for American firefighters.
Jimmy is survived by his loving wife, Kellie Cooper Deans ; daughters, Tiffany Deans (St. Petersburg, FL) and Danielle Deans (New York, NY); brother, Ritchie Deans ( Lancaster, PA ); sisters, Terry Peel (Lyons, CO) and Karon "P-Nut" Spiker (South Daytona, FL); mother-in-law, Liz Goodale (Richfield Springs, NY) and his Cherished cat, Sylvester
A celebration of life and visitation for "Jimmy" will be held Friday, September 13, 2019 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Volusia Memorial Funeral Home, 4815 S Clyde Morris Blvd, Port Orange, Florida 32129.
Funeral Services will be held 1:00p.m. Saturday, September 14th at Westminster By The Sea Presbyterian Church , 3221 South Peninsula Drive, Daytona Beach 32118.
The family has requested that in honor of Jimmy, everyone dress in whatever attire makes them feel most comfortable.
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