JAMES MALONEY, 85, of Largo, FL, died Tuesday, July 8, 2014 at 7:30 AM.
He leaves his wife of 39 years, Lenore Maloney; his daughters and husbands, Margaret & Stephen Pedvin, Anne & Ron Ostrenga; three grandsons, Edward (Eddie) Pedvin, Austin Ostrenga and Carl Ostrenga and beloved nieces, nephews, many close friends. Preceded in death by parents Jessie and Bill, siblings Lorraine and Pat and his young nephew Peter.
In his early years, Jim was born in St. James, MN and raised in Marshall, MN with his two older sisters. He played football and basketball in high school. Upon graduation he attended St. Paul's Teachers College for several years.
He proudly served in the United States Air Force as a gunner during the Korean conflict. He studied court reporting and then moved to Chicago where he pursued his career. His career spanned over 40 years freelancing with various businesses earning him high praise from the many law firms who used his services.
He enjoyed and sometimes suffered through following his favorite sports teams the Chicago Cubs, the Chicago Bears, the Chicago Bulls and his adopted Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He loved sweets and his friends would bring fudge, cakes, cookies or candy bars to make him happy.
He will be remembered for his smile, his generous nature, his love of life, and his commitment to all those around him. As we celebrate his life and the time we shared, we should remember that Jim loved laughing, dancing and having a good time.
A Celebration of Life will be held on November 8, 2014 at Paradise Island for family and friends. In lieu of flowers or plants, the family has asked that a donation be made to Suncoast Hospice Foundation, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd, Clearwater, Florida 33760 http://thehospice.org. Make the check out to Suncoast Hospice Foundation and in the memo put in Honor of James Maloney.
His ashes will be inturned at Arlington National Cemetery.
Please sign the guestbook below. Veterans Funeral Care of Clearwater, FL is handling all the arrangements.
Jim was fun, always had a good word and I do not remember when he was not wearing a smile. Jim, you will be missed!
Jim was a friendly and helpful neighbor who always had a smile and a cheerful word for all he met. He will be sorely missed especially when we return to our winter home.
My favorite thing I will always hold in my heart about Jim Maloney was his kindness and his laugh. Well and his passion for sports. I also recall that my father, Bob O’Neil always liked him and if Dad liked anybody, they were surely a good person all the way through. He always said, “Jim is a good guy”. And he was.
Peace be with you. Love, Ali
Sorry to receive the word of Jim’s passing. Lenore is my cousin and ws a member of our wedding party in 1950.
We send our love and prayers to the family and many friends. God Bless.
I am so sorry to hear about the lose of James. James was my mother’s first cousin Ruth Crosby Beattie. so sorry for the loss.
We’ll always remember the great times at the Tropicana Swim & Tennis Club in Hoffman Estates and how everyone could always count on Jim to be right in the middle of the fun. Godspeed Jim and all our best to Lenore, Margaret and Anne. You are in our prayers. The Colona Clan
Prayers are with Lenore and family. Many good memories…I know the hurt the family is going through…God Bless
Jim’s smile will stay with us always….
I send my prayers and sympathy to you, and the family. It has been many years since I met you. It was 1954. My beloved husband Richard, who died in 2007, was going to Albany medical college @ the time.. I shall be thinking of you during this difficult time. Please contact me if you wish. Ruth O’Neil,daughter in law of Wilbur O’Neil
In Rememberence of my uncle Jim.
He was a very cheerful man, great smile,and enjoyed people. I am honored to have known him.
My uncle Jim was so much fun to be around. He loved to tell jokes, laughed a lot, and was generous with his nieces. My mom often talked about how good he was as an athlete in Marshall. She was proud of him. We were lucky to spend so many holidays with Jim in Marshall and in Joliet. We were happy when he met you, Lenore. You gave him his own family. I am so sorry he is gone but glad he is not suffering.
My Uncle Jim was a good man! We were so lucky to have Jim around when my sisters and I were growing up in Illinois. Jim would visit us typically around Thanksgiving or Christmas and we always looked forward to his visits. My best memory of Uncle Jim was after a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner, Jim had enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner so much that he would go into our family room and lay on the floor moaning at how full he was. As little girls we thought this was so funny! I loved his laugh and he had an incredible smile and will miss him alot! Rest in Peace Uncle Jim! We will miss you!
Jim was a very special friend, we will
Always remember his laugh.
I will always have fond memories of Uncle Jim. The last time that I saw him was over 30 years ago. I was newly married, and my husband and I traveled from Alaska to visit family in the lower 48. I still remember sitting with Uncle Jim outside on lawn chairs. I don’t know where everyone else was, but Jim and I had a special visit. I will always cherish that memory.