James Cecil Sands, 75, ascended to his Lord and Savior on November 6, 2020 at the Largo Medical Center with his family at his bed side. He was born in West Chester, Pennsylvania on October 27, 1945 to J. Fitzgerald and Anna Deeck.
Jim entered the United States Marine Corps in December 1963 and served in various positions and locations. He served two combat tours with the USMC in Vietnam. During his service, he was the recipient of many awards including a Purple Heart for Valor in Vietnam, National Defense service medal, Vietnam service medal, Vietnam campaign medal, with device and good conduct medal.
While recovering from combat injuries at the Philadelphia Naval Hospital, he met the love of his life, Margie.
After starting a family, Jim returned to service at the New Jersey National Guard High Technology Training Center, Fort Dix, New Jersey, as a training instructor. In 1988 he was awarded The Major General Donald J. Strait Outstanding Soldier /Airman Award for the state of New Jersey.
Jim moved to Florida in 2014 from West Jefferson, Ohio. He enjoyed woodworking and spending every possible moment with his grandchildren. In most recent years he discovered art, specifically stained-glass creations. He was proud of his beautiful work that many family and friends enjoy and will cherish.
Jim was survived by his loving family: Wife of 52 years, Margaret Sands of Largo, Florida; three daughters: Staci Olney and her husband, Lawrence of Hilliard, Ohio; Jacqueline Grasham and her husband, Matthew of Largo, Florida and Susan Edmundson and her husband, Corey of Wesley Chapel, Florida; a brother, Charles
Sands of Asheboro, North Carolina; a sister, Susan Moore and her husband, Scott of Asheboro, North Carolina and 5 grandchildren: Lauren Olney, Catherine Olney, Julia Grasham, Finn Edmundson and Nicholas Grasham, nieces and nephews: Jessica, Jacqueline, Justin, and Corrine. He also leaves behind many great
neighbors and friends who he adored.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on 11:00 AM, Saturday, December 5, 2020 at St Jerome’s Parrish Catholic Church, 10895 Hamlin Blvd., Largo, Florida 33774 where he was a parishioner. The United States Marine Core will provided military honors at the end of the mass.
Burial with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery will follow on a yet undecided date in 2021. Please check back here for the most current updates related to his final placement.
Mr Sands was a really great man. Will always remembering Hanging out at his house in National park on the weekends Watching tales from the crypt with him!!
Keeping you all in my prayers. 💗💗💗RIP Mr. Sands.
Mr Sands was amazing. I remember the time he got the guys to go dig up a palm trees in SC only to realize it was someone else’s. Then the guys had to dig them back up. I remember spending the night with Jack and he would make chocolate chip pancakes. Something I had never seen at my parents house. I do carry on the chocolate chip pancake tradition for all sleep overs.
He was a big man with a bigger heart. He will be missed. The whole Sands clan is in my thoughts and prayers. Xoxo
Love Chrissy
I was blessed to have known Jim and his family as we were neighbors in Ohio and kept in touch all these years. He was a man of service to his country and a devoted family man. Beloved by many because he shared his love and laughter with those surrounding him. Jim was a great example of a life well-lived! My heartfelt condolence to his wife Margie and his daughters Staci, Jackie, and Suzie.
Margie,
We were so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. What a wonderful and talented human being! We feel very blessed to have known him (still do! He is just on the other side of the veil!!!). Please know you are very much in our thoughts and prayers. Sending you much love and lots of hugs sweetie. Love and Peace, Kim & Tony
RIP my dear friend…best neighbors, we all became family…and Jim always stepped in when husband, Geno couldn’t get something done….God Bless Margie and family during this time of healing…sending loads of love
Cynthia and Tabitha …he will be forever in our hearts xoxoxoxo