James Darwon Ammons

James D. Ammons Sr., age 74 of Cocoa, Florida passed away on September 17, 2020 at the VA Medical Center in Lake Nona, Florida.  James “Jim” was born on November 19, 1945 in Florence, South Carolina to Jessie Ammons and LenaMae (Miles) Hayward.

He grew up in Florence and joined the Army in 1965 serving during the Vietnam War.  After leaving the Army he moved to Tennessee with his wife, Patricia and his three children, Jay, Janet, and Jermey.  While there he worked for the Bendix Corporation.  In 1980, he moved to Decatur, Alabama where he began a career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  It was there that he spent the next 20 years living his best life caring for Wheeler Wildlife Refuge.  After retiring in 2001, he and Pat moved to Florida for their remaining 45 years of marriage.  His retirement years were spent exploring hobbies including collecting coins and making ink pens. As his health declined and he could no longer travel and get around he enjoyed the holidays and the house being filled with visitors.

He was preceded in death by his loving mom, Lenamae Hayward; wife, Patricia Ammons; father- in-law, H.O. “Bill” Corvin; mother-in-law Sara Corvin; brother, Jerry Ammons; and sister, Diane Zorgias.

He is survived by his three children, James D. Ammons Jr. and wife, Teresa of St. Cloud, Florida, Janet Moody and husband, Thomas of Cocoa, FL, and Jermey Ammons of McLean, VA; grandchildren Aaron Moody, Sara Wagner, Sidney Ammons, Corvin Ammons,  Jack Ammons; great-grandchildren were Matthew Moody, Lily Wagner, Tripp Wagner, Leland John Thomas Moody; brothers Tommy Ammons and wife, Jo-Ann of Florence, SC, Jessie Ray Ammons and wife, Patsy of Cleveland; and several nieces and nephews. 

A private graveside service will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens and will be officiated by Ralph Buckner Funeral Home in Cleveland, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to any local chapter of Disabled Veterans of America or any worthy organization representing the same.

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Ammons family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.