James F. West

It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of Jim West on September 16, 2024. He passed away peacefully at his home in Sarasota, Florida surrounded by his family and friends. He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Sharon K (Shay) West, his children David W West (Laura), Susan E Rittenhouse and Polly W Zeller (Michael), five grandchildren (Heather, Melissa, Amy, Michael & Molly) and 5 great-grandchildren, his brothers John C West (Charlotte) and Richard S West (Lynn) and Shay’s sister, Pauletta A Proffitt (Jim), as well as many nieces and nephews.

Jim West was born in Memphis, Tennessee on June 22, 1930 to James Clifford and Mary Elizabeth (Liz) West. He grew up in Texas and Michigan and graduated from Michigan State University. He spent 33 years at General Electric in Louisville, Kentucky until retiring as a Vice President. He then served as President of Dataspeed in San Francisco and VP of Marketing with White Consolidated Industries in Columbus, Ohio before finally retiring to Sarasota in 1994. He served on several corporate and non-profit Board of Directors, including both the Louisville Ballet and BalletMet of Columbus.

Jim was very active until his early 90’s. He enjoyed running for years and spending time at the beach. He and Shay traveled extensively, loved attending live theatre and getting together for special meals with friends and family. He also treasured spending time with his children and grandchildren and reading books.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Jim at Robert Toale & Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park (170 Honore Ave, Sarasota, FL) at 3:00 pm on Saturday, November 9th. Everyone is welcome to gather starting at 2:00 pm and light hors d’oeuvres will be available immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, our family kindly requests you make a donation to CNA Services, LLC, the tremendous private health care organization that took such kind, gentle and loving care of Jim during the last couple of years of his life. Please send checks to:

CNA Services, LLC,

6230 Medici Ct, #203

Sarasota, FL 34243

Venmo: @Philip-Polson-1

Zelle: Philip Polson (941-545-3493)