Obituary of James K. Story

James K. “Big Jim” Story, 69, of North Port, FL, unexpectedly passed away on Friday, August 13, 2021. Surviving are his loving wife of 46 years, Jeanne-Marie; his mother, Barbara; his sons, A.J. and wife, Jaime, and Chris and wife, Michelle; twin brother Larry and wife, Susan; and sister Linda and husband, Stanley. Jim was preceded in death by his father, Howard, and brother, Bobby. Jim is also survived by five grandchildren whom he loved and adored - Landon, Riley, Raegan, Peyton, and Tucker. He also leaves behind his loyal fur baby, Yoda, nieces and nephews, and several other friends and family. Born and raised in Freehold where he resided for 51 years, Jim graduated from Howell High School in 1969. He went on to serve in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1969-1973 attaining the rank of Second Class Gunner’s Mate on the USCGC Balsam in Adak, Alaska. He grew fond of the area and always wished to go back, finally getting to go on his dream trip in 2017 with his wife, brother and sister-in-law. Jim retired from Lakehurst Naval Air Station in 2001, where he worked as firefighter and held the rank of Captain. He also was a life member of Freehold Township Independent #1 (FTIFC) where he rose to Captain and was honored a few weeks ago for 40 years of service. Prior to FTIFC, he began his passion for firefighting as a member of Adelphia Fire Company joining in 1968. His service in firefighting carried down to his sons, and later this year, his oldest grandson will join the membership of FTIFC. Not being able to sit still in retirement, he worked at Target in Port Charlotte for 10 years. He also started up a small business called Big Jim’s Woodshop. He proudly hand crafted beautiful wooden flags to honor those for their great accomplishments. If you were lucky to get one, cherish it forever. Jim always had a friendly demeanor, and he treated everyone like family. Every morning, he greeted his social media followers with a weather report or story about his day while enjoying his coffee. He loved gardening, NASCAR, traveling on cruises whenever he could, and most recently started up camping again with his wife, as they enjoyed his retirement. He loved his sons more than life itself, but he always wanted a daughter, and he gained two of them when both sons began dating their spouses many years ago. He was so happy and totally complete with his life. He was someone to look up to and admire his passion for just being content. He gave the best hugs and will forever be missed by those who knew and loved him. The viewing will be held at the Higgins Memorial Home, 20 Center Street, Freehold on Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., with a firefighter’s service at 7 p.m. Masks and social distancing will be required during the viewing hours. Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home on Saturday at 8:30 a.m. The funeral procession will pass the Freehold Township Independent Fire Company #1 station followed by the interment at Maplewood Cemetery, Freehold. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Freehold Township Independent Fire Co. #1 (https://givebutter.com/FreeholdIndependent) or Oceans of Hope Foundation (www.OceansOfHopeFoundation.org – Oceans of Hope Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.).