James L. Amidon

James L. Amidon, 82, of Tallahassee, Florida passed away Friday, May 11, 2018 at Big Bend Hospice. He was one of three children born in Greenville, Michigan to Harvey A. and Evelyn Kraft Amidon, who predeceased him, as did his sister, Eleanor, and brother, Allen. He attended Kalamazoo College and served two years in the United States Army, 1958-60, with the Army Corps of Engineers in Germany. He spent his 40-year career working in a variety of safety, engineering, and environmental positions in Georgia, Indiana, and Arkansas with Central Soya and Tyson Foods, from which he retired. His work took him to at least 35 states and several foreign countries. At various times, he was an active member of Moose and Elks lodges. He married Jo Ann Clark on July 1, 1961, and they celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2011 in Sanibel, Florida before she passed away in 2014. Together they raised four sons: William (Laurie) of Chugiak, Alaska; Steven (Dixi) of Big Lake, Alaska; James, Jr. (Christine) of Crawfordsville, Indiana; and Frank of Tallahassee, Florida. He is survived by his sons, daughters-in-law, and six grandchildren. Jo and Jim were fabulous entertainers known for throwing day-long parties for friends, families, and people they knew from their daily interactions. They never met a stranger, and some of their fondest friendships were made when meeting people at Costco, a bank, or at the table next to them at a restaurant. They enjoyed traveling to Alaska, Indiana, and wherever their grandchildren played sports, sang in musicals, or fished in streams. A private celebration of his life will be held at a later time. The family extends its sincere gratitude, love, and respect to the caring and compassionate staff at Big Bend Hospice, and asks that memorial donations be made to it in Mr. Amidon's name (https://www.bigbendhospice.org/donate). Susie Mozolic of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with their arrangements. (www.bevisfh.com 850-385-2193).