James (Jim) Houston Florence, Jr., (89) returned to his Heavenly Father on June 14, 2023. Born in Lexington, KY, on March 2, 1934, Jim graduated from Lafayette High School in 1952. He played basketball for EKU and Transylvania University. He interrupted his college education to serve in the Army ASA at VHFS near Washington DC. He graduated from Transylvania University in 1958 and earned his master’s degree from the University of Kentucky in 1963. Jim, known as “Sonny” from a young age, was an educator and business owner in Lexington. He was an avid reader and life-long Kentucky Wildcat fan.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Wilda L. Florence, whom he married in 1975. Also left to cherish his memory are five children, Dayna Lykins (David), Jay Gieringer (Carol), Stephanie Adams (Anthony), Jim Florence (Brandon Cress) and Julie Knight (Thomas); 13 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren, as well as his sister Patricia J. Florence.
Jim was preceded in death by his first wife, Kayleen D. Florence, his parents James H. and Frances M. Florence, his sister Joyce M. Florence, and his stepson, Jeffrey S. Gieringer.
A graveside service will be held to honor Jim on Monday, June 19, 2023 at 2:30 PM at the Lexington Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects.
For expressions of sympathy, please contribute to your favorite charity in his memory.