James Russell Terry

James Russell Terry, "Jim" Terry, passed away on Tuesday, January 13th in Vero Beach Florida. He was born in Danville, Illinois on August 14th, 1949 to Martha "Maxine Terry, and the late Vernon Floyd Terry, of Leesburg Florida. Jim loved traveling the world several times via a container ship with his good friend Bill Skinner. Their tales of islands, far-away countries and interesting experiences were long and elaborate. He enjoyed a successful career in restaurant management specialize in seafood. He graduated in 1967 from Hoopeston High School in Hoopeston Illinois. One of his yearbook quotes on where he saw himself in five years was, "driving my shiny Rolls Royce in cut-off jeans and sneakers."He got his wish. He first had a 70's model Silver Shadow with right-hand drive he bought on a whim, from a used car lot with his credit card. We all thought he overpaid for it; to him it was priceless. He then had a 1986 Silver Spur; it was priceless also; even with the flat-bed towing fees. Over the years, Jim made many acquaintances from all over the country and the world. He traveled in an 80's model Silver Stream motor home that was custom-decorated to look like a teak sailboat on the inside, owned by someone famous, or formerly famous, it was an impressive tale. Jim was known for his heart, his willingness to unselfishly put others needs in front of his own. His imaginative sense of humor put him in the category of stand-up comic at times. He fought a brave battle with a debilitating disease, not once every complaining or wanting anyone to treat him any differently. He lived a very full life and was blessed with hundreds of close friends and a loving family. He is survived by his Mother, Maxine Terry, Leesburg Florida, His three sisters, Carol Woodring, San Diego CA, Jan Wise and husband Lyle, Tifton GA, the late Timothy Floyd Terry, Marci Cox and husband Dennis, Merritt Island FL, nieces Michelle Lubeski and husband Rick, San Diego CA, and Meredith Wise, of Alexandria VA. A memorial gathering will be held at Beach Funeral Homes, 1689 S. Patrick Drive, Indian Harbour Beach, FL, 32937 at 4:00 P.M. Saturday, January 17th, 2015. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Jim's name to the American Cancer Society, or amFAR, the American Foundation for Aids Research.