James Sylvester, Jr.

Our beloved James R. Sylvester Jr entered into eternal rest on January 21, 2025. We were blessed with several days of love-filled and joyful times with family and friends prior to his last moments in the loving presence of his wife. Jim was born to James and Nancy Sylvester in San Francisco, CA. When the family moved to Oahu, HI, Jim discovered his love of surfing. He shared fond memories and stories of the fun times surfing with locals, most importantly of the people he met and friendships formed. In Louisiana he had his first son, James, this being one of the happiest days of his life. When he moved to Santa Barbara, CA to spend time with his mother during her final days, he found a home for decades, as well as proudly finding his profession as a driver for UPS. His enjoyment of driving was secondary to the people he met and forged lifelong friendships with. Through one of these connections he met his love and life partner and wife, Katelin. Together they raised Allison and Daniel. Jim was blessed with the gift of giving and it was natural for him to see a need and offer his services, whether to a stranger, friend or family. Sharing his practical and creative talents gave him joy. Generous also with his smile, laughter and words, he would often encourage others to pursue their dreams, ambitions and to never give up. This quality will be remembered and will inspire his family for a lifetime. His willingness to share his life stories and words of encouragement extended to people he met, including healthcare workers who have helped him through his hard fought battle. Jim is survived by his wife Katelin, children James, Allison and Daniel, sister Bonnie Carrig, brother-in-law Richard Carrig, parents-in-law Alice and John Bourland and Fred McCarter, brother and sister-in-law Brad and Megan McCarter as well as many nieces and nephews. He is fondly remembered by friends in Williston, FL, Gainesville, FL, California, including Santa Barbara and Lompoc, Germany, France and Belgium. With dedication, perseverance, loyalty and generosity, Jim never gave up, but asked God for guidance always. We believe God granted Jim the permission and privilege of resting eternally with Him in peace. We will miss him terribly, but this is not goodbye, its "see you later". A Memorial Service will be held at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church of Gainesville, FL : Date TBD A traditional surfer memorial "paddle-out" will be held at a future date in Santa Barbara, CA In lieu of flowers we ask you to consider supporting meaningful organizations: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA "Dr Nghiems research/UW" Merkel Cell Carcinoma research www.Merkelcell.org Haven Hospice ET York Hospice Care Ctr, Gainesville, FL