James A. "Jimmy" Strickland

July 26, 1939 - January 29, 2021

STRICKLAND - James A. "Jimmy" Strickland, 81, went to be with the Lord on Friday, Jan. 29, after a battling heart and kidney disease. A Gainesville native, he graduated from Gainesville High School, where he played football. After serving in the Navy he moved to Jacksonville in the 1960s and graduated from Jones Business College. He worked for Kraft Foods for 23 years, retiring in 1992 as an account executive. For the next 28 years, he oversaw his merchandising business, Merchandisers Unlimited, which he and another Kraft retiree, Dick Burnett, cofounded. He was active in the industry and was a former director of the local Grocery Manufacturers Representatives Association. Jimmy was so committed to his business that he was still overseeing details until his final days. His greatest joy was his family and spending time with his grandchildren. His hobbies were collecting sports memorabilia and socializing with best friends, Raleigh Mackoul and Dr. Fred Beck. He was a member of Southpoint Community Church for many years. Survivors include his wife, Sandy Strickland, son Brett Strickland, daughter Tara Williams, grandchildren Noah Perryman and Skylar Williams, and brother Warner Strickland. He was predeceased by a brother, Garland Strickland, and parents, G.H. and Vondell Strickland. Visitation will be from 10 am Thursday, Feb. 4, until the start of the service at 11 am at Corey-Kerlin Chapel, 940 Cesery Blvd. The Rev. Terry Gore will officiate. Burial will be at Greenlawn Cemetery, 4300 Beach Blvd. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com