James F. West, age 41, Beverly Hills, FL passed away November 1, 2022 at Moffit Hospital in Tampa following a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer.
“Jimmy” was born in Milwaukee, WI on May 1, 1981 to the late James Percy West and Christine (Eickelberg) West and came to Citrus County together with his wife, Michele, in 2013 from Orlando.
Jimmy began his career in law enforcement with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office in 2013 as a deputy sheriff and served on the Dive Team for the past 7 years. Jimmy was promoted to East Side Community Crimes Detective in 2017 and continued to faithfully serve and protect his community until his passing. During his time with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, he received multiple awards in recognition of his dedicated service including three Certificates of Commendation, a Medal of Commendation, and a Humanitarian Service Medal.
Although Jimmy was not a native Floridian he embraced the Florida lifestyle. When Jimmy was not in his uniform, he could be found relaxed and laid back in his Hawaiian shirt, cargo shorts, and flip flops. A true pirate at heart Jimmy was known for his love of spiced rum. Jimmy and his best friend Allan even created their own signature drink coined the Jim Allan. Jimmy was always up for a goodtime and was there any time a friend needed help. Many of his friends will be missing Jimmy’s early morning wake up phone calls just to chat and catch up. Jimmy was a wealth of interesting and unique facts and he boasted about how he “almost” made it on Jeopardy. Jimmy was a faithful friend and will be remembered for his humor, sarcasm, and wit.
Above being a dedicated law enforcement officer and loyal friend the titles Jimmy held most dear were of husband, provider, and father. Jimmy and Michele were joined in marriage August 14, 2015. The following year Jimmy and Michele reaffirmed their love for each other surrounded by family and friends on St. Pete Beach. Jimmy was selfless always putting his wife and children above himself. Jimmy was the sole provider so that his wife had the ability to stay home and raise their two small children. Every decision and choice he made put his family first. Jimmy was a fun and loving dad who took every opportunity to play with his children and showed them unconditional love. Jimmy spent time with Jaxon playing video games, wrestling, and playing tag. Jimmy’s Katie Bear (Kaitlyn) loved to snuggle with her daddy and bring him endless ice cream cones from her play kitchen. Every Friday night Jimmy and his family would have family game night to instill in the children how important family was above all else. On the weekends Jimmy could be found in the backyard jumping on the trampoline and lounging in the “hot tub” (actually an inflatable pool) with the kids. Jimmy made sure the kids day always ended with a story before bed.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife Michele (Fay) West, Beverly Hills, FL
2 precious children, Jaxon Henry West and Kaitlyn Kristine West, and beloved nephews Connor Fay and Nolan Fay.
There is a Celebration of Life scheduled for Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 2:00 PM at the “Back 40 Barn”, 11740 No. Farmwood Avenue, Dunnellon, FL 34433. Bishop Doug Alexander will officiate along with family and friends sharing their memories of Jimmy. Burial will follow in Fero Memorial Park Cemetery, Beverly Hills, FL. Friends may visit the family from 12 noon until the service begins. All services are closed to the public. Arrangements are entrusted to the Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home, 3075 So. Florida Avenue, Inverness, FL 34450. www.chasdavis.com
The community has organized Fish for the Blue fishing tournament in honor of Jimmy West to be held November 26, 2022, for more information visit the Facebook event page at https:// facebook.com/events/s/fish-for-the-blue-in-honor-of-/3218282708421523/
In closing,
The Dude is not in…
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