James Marvin Boatwright

James M. Boatwright of Lakeland, Florida went to be with the Lord on December 27, 2015 at the age of 81. He was born on September 30,1934 in Fort Meade and spent his entire life in Florida. At the time of his passing, he lived in Lakeland. He is the son of Marvin Boatwright and Malpha Stevens, brother to WC, and Betty. He is a graduate of Palm Beach High School in 1953. He is survived by his wife of 21 years Robbie D. Boatwright and children Laura Blackmon (Joe) , Kimberly Scott (Ross), Jim Boatwright II (Kathleen), and Stacey Thomson (widow). He had 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He owned his own business as a General Contractor until he retired at the age of 70. He spent much of his free time on the water fishing and boating. He also loved to create and frequently could be found in his shop making furniture and decorative items of wood. His garden was always full of beautiful flowers, vegetables and fruit. And he always had plenty to share. The worship center at Ardella Baptist Church was one of his many construction projects in 1993. This was also his church home for 25 years where he served as a greeter and small group leader. Services will be held at Ardella Baptist Church 709 Pipkin Road, Lakeland, Fl Wednesday December 30, 2015 at 10 am visitation and 11 am service. He will be laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Meade Florida on Wednesday December 30, 2015 at 2pm. Service: 12/30/2015 Ardella Baptist Church 709 W. Pipkin Road, Lakeland, Florida Ardella Baptist Church Visitation: 12/30/2015 Ardella Baptist Church