James Odell Maze, Jr., was born December 6, 1947. He departed on his final journey on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at James A Haley Hospital in Tampa, Florida, with his wife by his side.
James is preceded in death by his mother, Esther Meister Maze, and his father, James Odell Maze, Sr.
James is survived by his wife, Joni of Lakeland, Florida, of 33 years; his children, Jeffery Maze of California, Daniel Maze (Emily) of Midlothian, Virginia, Connie Odell (Steve) of Wesley Chapel, Florida, Reginald Hunt (Margaret) of Lakeland, Florida, and Karissa Maze of Auburndale, Florida. He has 6 wonderful grandchildren, Gage, Austin, Chandler, Elizabeth, Kaitlynn, and Kameron; sister Judy Lackey of Clinton, MO; sisters-in-laws Gylanda Smith of Melbourne, Florida and Yetta Saunder of Dundee, Florida; brothers-in-laws Willie Smith (Tammy) of Winter Haven, Florida and Vince Smith (Fatima) of Haines City, Florida.
James was selected for the draft on June 11, 1966. James, Bob Madrigal (best friend – deceased 6/21/26), and Danny Jenkins (cousin) all joined the military (Army) under the “Buddy System” to guarantee they could all stick together after basic training. They all received orders for Vietnam. Upon returning home, he was Honorably Discharged as an E-5 Specialist. He was an Aircraft Maintenance Crewman. After discharge from the Army, he returned home to work for General Motors for about 15 years. James moved to Florida and began working for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in Bartow, Florida, from December 4, 1989, to December 4, 2004. James was a Detention Deputy at the Polk County Jail and retired as a Bailiff in 2004.
James loved reading the Bible, traveling, especially road trips, cruising, and riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
James was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He loved helping others in any way he could help them.
There will be a visitation on Saturday, August 8, 2026 from 10:00 AM until service time at 11:00 AM all to be held at Calvary Baptist Church 4209 Old Kathleen Rd.,
Lakeland, FL 33810.
There will be a graveside service with Military Honors on Monday, August 10, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Florida National Cemetery 6502 SW 102nd Ave, Bushnell, FL 33513
