Obituaries

James Caleb Stump

February 24, 1934 - May 3, 2023

James “Jim” Caleb Stump Age 89

James “Jim” Caleb Stump passed away on May 3, 2023 at Good Shepherd Hospice House in Auburndale Florida. He was born February 24, 1934, in Dunkirk, NY to Caleb and Birdena Stump. He enlisted after graduating from East High in Rochester, NY and spent 10 years in Naval Air then the Air Force. Although he was blown off an aircraft carrier during the Korean War and hospitalized for several weeks, he recovered enough to join the Air Force for another 5 service years.     

After his final honorable discharge, he hitchhiked from California to his New York home only to find that his parents had moved to Florida from the new owners then hitched his way to West Palm Beach, Florida. Not long after his arrival he met the love of his life, Gerry, during a multiday celebration of his birthday. They had a whirl-wind romance meeting February 27th, saying “I love you” March 10th, getting engaged April 15th and marrying in August 1960. 

He then began his career in insurance as an Insurance Executive representing many insurance companies and was the owner of Jim Stump Insurance. He lived in several towns in Florida due to job transfers before finally settling in Lakeland in 1966. With Gerry, he enjoyed camping, bowling, reading and family beach trips during the summer in Indian Rocks and Englewood.  

Jim is survived by his wife of 62 years, Geraldine “Gerry” Stump, his four children Susan Conger (Tom), Sharon Sandman, Jimmy Stump and Stacey Gravatt; grandchildren Henry Badcock, Ashlee Sandman, and Jamie Gravatt: and great-grandchildren Penelope, Marleigh, Aria, James, and Myra. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Chelsea.

The family would like to thank all those at Lake Howard Heights Assisted Living, Winter Haven Hospital and Good Shepherd Hospice for their compassionate care. Please consider a donation to Good Shepherd Hospice in Jim’s name.  

A private burial with Honors will be held at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.