James  Larkin Haley Jr.

Obituary of James Larkin Haley Jr.

On February 9, 2021, James Larkin Haley, Jr, 71, lost the battle of life. He succumbed to PML Disease. He is better known to his military troops as "Papa Smurf" and later to his friends as “DJ Jazzy Jim.” 

He was born on July 17, 1949 in Atlanta to James L. Haley and Hazel McClellan Haley and 3 sisters, Betty, Shirley and Roxie. He graduated from Walker High School, DeKalb County, GA. In 1967 where he played the drums in the Orchestra and Marching Band. He formed a Rock Band with neighborhood friends and they became very popular and were known as the Atlanta Zodiaks and competed in the Battle of the Bands. 

After graduation, he attended Marsh Draughn Business College in Atlanta, majoring in Computers where he was the President of the student body. During his 2nd school year, he met and married the love of his life, Peggy Ann Jones.

He joined the Air Force as an Environmental Specialist Civil Engineer. His was stationed at Malstrom AFB, Montana where his daughter Amanda Gail was born, then Shaw AFB, SC; Kadena AFB, Okinawa, Japan where his son James Larkin, III was born, then to Griffis AFB, NY; MacDill AFB, FL; Coronet Scabbard, Egypt; Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal, and The USAF Academy, Colorado where he retired as an E-7 on November 30, 1990.

The family moved to Satellite Beach and Jimmy opened Car Brite Auto Detailing on Patrick Dr. just outside Tortoise Island entrance, and still had customers from 30 years ago.

In his spare time during his military service he raced motorcross, played drums in country western bands, played softball, bowled, refereed basketball team, coached the ladies base softball team, coached his kids and grandkids in soccer and softball. He represented the Azores in racquetball.

Then after retiring from the military, he opened a jet ski rental on the ocean, made wine, played softball, cornhole and pool. He captained a Pool team to Las Vegas in 2010 and was a team member in 2019. He enjoyed being DJ Jazzy Jim, playing music and doing and singing Karaoke and DJing wedding receptions. He loved riding his motorcycle and was President of the largest Independence Chapter of ABATE. He also was a charter member that started the American Legion Riders. Jimmy was the 2nd Vice at the American Legion Post 81 and gaming control up until his illness. He loved being able to serve his country.

He loved his family most of all!!! He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Peggy Anne Jones Haley, his daughter, Mandi and her hubby Rick Goodale, and his son, Jay and his wife Regan, his grandkids, Kierstyn, Auston, Reygan and Courtney, David and Jayson. His sister Betty Haley Tanquary and nephews and nieces. He loved being in the middle of everything he participated in. He is leaving a big hole in this world and will be sorely missed!!!

 His celebration of life will be Sunday. March 21st at 3:00 P.M. at the American Legion Post 81,  2909 S Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32901 (321) 723-2939 .

 

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