Mr. James E. "Jim" Lunsford, 84, of Lake City, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday morning, October 9, 2018 at his residence. He was born to the late James & Nora Lunsford in Madison, Tennessee on September 17, 1934 and has lived in Lake City most of his life. He retired from the Florida National Guard with over 30 years of service. He also retired from the local telephone companies here in Lake City also with over 30 years of service. He served his country in the U.S. Navy for six years and traveled out west for training in communications with the Navy, National Guard and telephone companies. He was also a 50 plus year member of the Pine Grove Baptist Church in Lake City, and was currently attending the Deep Creek Advent Christian Church. Once he retired from the National Guard, he worked with local mobile home companies as a mobile home escort. His greatest pride was in his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Ruth Lunsford and his siblings, Melvin Lunsford, Tommy Lunsford and Shelby Lunsford.

He is survived by his grandchildren: Donald Harden (Elaine) and Cindi Boatright (Mark) both of Lake City; adopted son: John L. Lewis (Adriene) of Georgia; great grandchildren: Rebecca Harden Boyd (David), Kenneth Mark "Boaty" Boatright, Jr. (Lacey), Bethany Harden Jenkins (Justin) and Kyla Miranda Boatright and 10 great-great grandchildren all of Lake City. He is also survived by his special friend, Louise Goss, along with numerous extended family and friends.

Funeral services for Mr. Lunsford will be conducted on Sunday, October 14, 2018 at 4:00 P.M. in the chapel of Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home with Rev. James Roberts officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 3:00-4:00 P.M. (one hour prior to the services) at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations please be considered to the Wounded Warrior Project.