James Edward Hizer, 81, of Lake City, Florida, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025. Born on August 1, 1944, James lived a life defined by hard work, independence, and generosity of spirit. A proud U.S. Navy veteran, James served his country with honor before pursuing a lifelong career as a sales representative in the industrial sector and dabbled as a machinist. In 1998, he founded Hizer Machine Manufacturing, where he continued to work diligently and take pride in his craft. His work ethic and dedication were unmatched, and he loved the fulfillment that came from building and fixing things with his own hands.

In his younger years, James loved to travel, earned his pilot's license, and spent many happy days boating and diving, especially in the clear waters of the Bahamas. He also enjoyed woodworking and the satisfaction of making things himself. Though known for his tough exterior, James was a fair and kind man, one who would give you the shirt off his back and lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

James is survived by his children, Lynda Mulvey and grandchildren Hannah and Megan Mulvey, Michelle Buckley and grandchildren Joshua and Jason Green, Georgia Miles and grandchild McKenna Miles, Amelia (Amy) Smith and son-in-law Stephen (Snuffy) Smith, and grandchildren Keelie and Kaitlynn Smith, Dakota (Cody) Hizer and daughter-in-law Robyn Hizer, and grandchildren Kennedy and Cassidy Hizer.

A visitation will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday November 7, 2025, at Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home followed by a graveside service at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 3596 US-41, Lake City, Florida with Pastor Burl Harkey officiating.  Please join us for refreshments immediately after the graveside service at The Florida Gateway Fairgrounds, 164 SW Mary Ethel Lane Lake City, FL 32025. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 in James's memory