James W. Ponder

James W. Ponder III, age 79, died September 8th, 2008. Visitation will be from 11 AM – 1 PM Saturday, September 13th at Farley Funeral Home, Venice Chapel, followed by a reception from 1 – 3 PM honoring Jim’s life. Funeral services will be private. Surviving family members include his wife Kay Ponder; son James W. “Rip” Ponder IV and wife Debbie of Nokomis; daughter Tracy Hesser and husband Mark of Sarasota; daughter-in-law Diane Ponder of Nokomis; two step-sons John Hager and wife Angela of Sarasota, and Michael Hager and wife Jo of Australia; stepdaughter Leslie Furtick of Sarasota; 14 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Louanna Ponder and son Gregory Ponder, sister Virginia Higel, and his parents, James Ponder, Jr. and Helen Ponder. Jim was born in Joplin Missouri on November 1st, 1928 and moved to Venice in 1934. He served in the US Army and in the Naval Reserve. Jim owned and operated Ponders Liquor Store, developed Ridgewood Park, the Nokomis Drive In Theater, and the Extra Closet. He was Founder of Peoples Bank of Venice and Venice Memorial Gardens. Jim served on the Board of Directors for Peoples Bank of Venice and Venice Golf Course. Jim was a charter member of Mission Valley Country Club, the Venice Yacht Club, and the Elks Club. Jim was an honest, loyal, and loving man and will be missed by all. Memorial donations can be made to the Salvation Army 1051 Albee Farm Road, Venice, FL 34285 or The Wellness Community of Sarasota, 3900 Clark Rd Building P-3,Sarasota, FL 34233 .