James John Devine

James John Devine, formerly of Toledo Ohio, passed on May 8, 2005 and will have his ashes interred alongside his beloved wife Francesca in the National Cemetery in Sarasota at a 2:00 pm military committal ceremony on December 30, 2020.

James Devine resided in Deerfield Beach. He was a self employed financial planner. At age 20 he married 17 year old Francesca Bielak of Toledo. It was 1942 and the newly wed went off to war . Campaigning from Omaha Beach to the Ardennes Private Devine earned a rare “ battlefield commission” and was  promoted to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant for demonstrating   “ courage and leadership in combat “ during the Battle of the Bulge. The Devines raised 9 children. They have many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.

Jim was a champion chess master and an avid competitor. He served as president of the Florida Chess Association for many years. In 1938 he won the light weight division Golden Gloves  championship.  He had several successful prizefights. He founded the AAWP, the American Association of Working Persons, and his family and friends were often seen displaying the  bumper sticker – “ Don’t Hit Me I Pay Your Social Security”. Before retiring at age 77 he might  be found home holding counsel in his RAP room where no subject was taboo. He enjoyed his family.

James had a confidence born from a tough upbringing where he learned the value of hard work, independence and self reliance. As a boxer he discovered he was no better or worse than any other man and that if you lost but did your best you could use your failure to learn to  win another day. Guided by a deep seeded Catholic faith he had no doubt that his journey in life would guide him to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He attended daily Mass at St Ambrose Catholic Church in Deerfield Beach. James  was a man who believed that each of us controls  our own destiny and that despite life’s hardships no one was given a cross that he could not bear. Proud of his Irish roots he refused the role of victim. He believed in salvation through good deeds and faith. Jim contributed to several charities. He accepted personal responsibility and accountability.  A good man, an honest man, a man of honor who could be trusted; he loved his family, was dutiful to his Country, loyal to his Church, believed strongly in the power of prayer, and could be counted on to fight the good fight. He was an inspiration to his family and to those who knew him. A peaceful man of strength he  was loved and respected by his family and friends. James could  be trusted to do the right thing. May he forever Rest In Peace with the love of his life Francesca cradled in the Palm of the Lord Jesus who he loved and adored.