James E Colvin

Major James E. Colvin, Sr. (USAF retired) of Ocala, Florida, “slipped the surly bonds of earth” on September 29th. Pop was born December 16, 1934 in Rockford, Illinois. Upon completion of high school in Atlanta, Georgia, Pop enlisted in the United States Air Force and soon earned his wings as a pilot and aircraft commander. His service took him and his family to the far reaches of the world. Life with Pop was truly an adventure, and he sought to include his wife and children as much as he could. Pop cared deeply not just about his family but his friends and co-parishioners as well. He was always eager to serve, and his exemplary life positively influenced many. A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day saints, Pop served, among other callings, as a Counselor, High Priest Group Leader, Ward Clerk, Financial Clerk, High Councilman, Bishop, and counselor to a Mission President. Above all, Pop was fiercely patriotic and took great pride in having served his country in places like Viet Nam, Thailand, Guam and many others. Pop was well-known for his positive disposition, often joking and easing others’ discomfort or discouragement with a well-timed word of encouragement or light-hearted comment. Even at the end of his life, Pop was considerate and gracious to his caretakers and family. “You’ve gotta act a little crazy,” he’d say, “or else you might really get that way.” Pop was an only child, preceded in death by his first wife Barbara, his father Robert and mother Margaret. He is survived by his wife Diana, four sons, James E. Colvin Jr., Robert Wesley Colvin II (Shelley), Daniel F. Colvin, David A. Colvin (Jeanine), step children Mark Albert (Robin), Kim Albert, Jennifer Oulette, James Hood, Shaun Hood (Andrea), Nicole Szymanowski (Michael), 35 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are being made by Roberts Funeral Home, Ocala, Florida. Visitation will be on Thursday, October 17, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Roberts Funeral Home, 606 SW 2nd Avenue, Ocala Florida 34471. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 18, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Roberts of Ocala Downtown, 606 SW 2nd Avenue, Ocala, FL 34471. Interment follows at 12:30 p.m. at the Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave, Bushnell, FL 33513.

James E Colvin

December 16, 1934 - September 29, 2024