James Walter Moody

Jim Moody, beloved husband of Debbie, died June 4, 2012 in Gainesville, FL at the age of 72. He was born and grew up in Fort Myers, FL where he attended Fort Myers High School. He was on the swim team, played trumpet in the "Greenies" Marching Band, was president of the student council, an Eagle Scout, and was a "King of Edisonia". He graduated from the University of Florida, where he also swam and played trumpet, and was a Sigma Chi. Jim then went on to serve in the Army. In business, he co-owned a motel, had a lawn service, and owned real estate investments. He had homes in Fort Myers Beach, FL, where he lived most of his life and was declared unofficial "Mayor" by his many friends; and in Gainesville, FL and Gatlinburg, TN. Jim was a "friend" to everyone. He truly liked people. He found everyone interesting. He didn't care how rich or poor, young or old, what your job or ethnicity was. He just liked meeting and talking with people. That was the greatest thing about him. Jim was a friend, and had lots of friends. He was never bored, and never found time to do everything he wanted to do. He was a true "lover of life". He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Debbie Kutz Moody. He was the love of her life, and her best friend. He called her his "Heart". They never ran out of things to talk about. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Stan Kutz (Sheryl) who was 24 years younger. They were "best friends", "brothers", and "father and son". Jim taught Stan how to drive a boat and dive for lobster when he was just 9 years old. They were diehard Gator fans and finally got to see the "year of the Gator" in New Orleans for the 1996 Championship game, along with Debbie and Sheryl. They barely survived Bourbon Street; and when coming home to Gainesville went directly to the Gator Shops for memorabilia before going home. Good Times! Jim is also survived by his brother-in-law, Victor Kutz (Debbie) and sister-in-law, Pat Kutz; as well as nieces and nephews, Lucy Shuford (James), Aubrey Shuford, Kiley Shuford, Victor Kutz, Jr. (Vanessa), Jaime Kutz, Joey Davis (Heather), and his cousins that he grew up with in North Fort Myers, the Moody girls (Martha, Carolyn, Linda) and his Godchildren, Casey Lyon and Darby Patton. He is predeceased by his parents, Walter and Thelma Moody, long-time residents of Fort Myers, FL Jim requested no funeral - too much sadness. Instead, he wished all his friends at the "Whale", "Nappy's", and "Greenbrier" to hoist a cold one in his memory. Anyone wishing to make a donation in his memory can do so to the ACLU, PBS, or University of Florida Foundation.

James Walter Moody

July 10, 2012