James A Alderman

JAMES A. “JIM” ALDERMAN, JR. Passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, January 21st, with his family by his side. Jim was born October 17, 1923 in Tarpon Springs, Florida to Captain Jim and Annie Laurie Alderman. They moved to Bradenton when Jim was 2 years old. Growing up Jim was surrounded by his father and several uncles who were all Captains on various yachts. The influence and mentorship by these men as well as living on the water, instilled in him a love of boating that continued throughout his life. At a young age, Jim learned how to rig any type of small skiff. He loved sailing around and exploring the Manatee River. As a young boy, Jim found property on the north banks of the river that he would later purchase and raise his family on. He and Maribel have lived there for over 70 years. Jim graduated from Bradenton High School in 1941. He married his high school sweetheart, Maribel Coddington. Jim served with the 30th Infantry in Europe during WWII and received a purple heart. Upon his return from the war, Jim joined his father at Snead Island Boat Works. His forward vision built Snead Island Boat Works into one of the top boat yards in the country. Jim was active in the community where he served as a Palmetto Fire Commissioner, member of the DAV, past president of the Palmetto High School Athletic Boosters and past Commodore of the Bradenton Yacht Club. Jim was instrumental in the building of the Bradenton Yacht Club at its present location. Jim was active in sailing on the West Coast of Florida where he won many races with his boat, “Sharon M” which was also one of the boats that he built. Jim and Maribel loved to travel. They were active in the 30th Infantry and traveled to Europe for several reunions. Jim was preceded in death by his father Jim Alderman Sr., mother Annie Laurie Alderman and a sister Louise Etter. Jim is survived by the love of his life, Maribel (they would have celebrated 75 years of marriage in April); a daughter Sharon Whatley (Rick) of Anderson, SC; a son Gary (Carol) of Palmetto; four grandchildren, Laurie Hiott (Todd), Rick Whatley Jr. (Kala) of Anderson, SC, Annie Alderman (Rich), Megan Mathews (Matt) of Palmetto; ten great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. Jim will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved him. A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 24th, 2018 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Griffith-Cline Funeral Home at 720 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s honor to Tidewell Hospice of Ellenton.