James Robert Fleming

FLEMING, JAMES ROBERT, SR., 65, of Ocoee, passed away on June 11, 2008, at Health Central in Ocoee. He was born June 9, 1943, the son of Elizabeth Lee Salisbury and Leo Russell Fleming. He attended Ocoee Elementary, Ocoee Middle, Robert E Lee Jr. High, Edgewater High and graduated from Winter Park High School, Class of '61. Jim went to work in September 1967 with the Orlando Fire Department. After two serious accidents, and because of failing health, he retired with a medical disability in November 1980. He worked as a Code Enforcement Officer for the City of St. Cloud, FL and retired from the Florida Army National Guard, Second Battalion Unit. This is the same unit of which his grandfather, Lt. Col. Sam T. Salisbury, and his uncle, Major George Robert "Bob" Salisbury II, were members. Jim was Second Vice Commander of American Legion Post 109 of Ocoee and belonged to the Veterans of Foreign War Post 4305 of Ocoee/Winter Garden.

Jim is survived by his wife, Margaret Odom Fleming of Pocatello, Idaho; sons, James Robert Jr., of Pocatello, Idaho, and Joseph Randolf Fleming, Anthony, FL; mother, Betty S. Hager, of Ocoee; sister, Elizabeth F. Boileau, of Melbourne, Sonya Fleming Yost, of Winter Garden; brothers, Steven Hager, Ocoee, LaWayne and Loran Fleming; and 7 grandchildren.

Jim's health had been failing for a number of years, suffering with COPD, recently overcoming a MRSA infection at Shands Hospital. He was a champion of causes for Americans with Disabilities, of which he could repeat the Act word for word.

His wish is to have his cremains interred at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. A memorial service is to be held on October 11, 2008, at the American Legion Post 109 in Ocoee. Friends are invited.