1941
James
2017
James Richard Laprade, Jr.
April 22, 1941 — December 1, 2017
James Richard LaPrade Jr., “Jim” 76, of Parrish, FL, passed away Friday, December 1, 2017. He was the husband of Judy Osborne LaPrade for 50 years and they had recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
Born Tuesday, April 22, 1941 in Halifax County, Jim was a son of the late James Richard LaPrade, Sr. and the late Lizzie Moorefield LaPrade.
In addition to his wife he is survived by sons, Troy Douglas LaPrade and his wife, Barbara, Rustburg, and James Early LaPrade, Sr., and his wife, Melody, Forest; grandchildren, Jordan, Andrew, James, Jr., and John LaPrade; a sister, Nancy Isley and her husband, Chris of Evington, and a brother, David LaPrade of SC.
Jim honorably served our country as a member of the US Navy during the Cuban Missile crisis. During his service, he served on the USS Du Pont destroyer and traveled the world. He was proud of his military service and loved telling stories of the places he had visited. In August 1973, Jim started Best Mailing Service with the determination that failure was not an option. Both Jim and Judy invested their livelihoods into the business and both actively worked for 25 years before retiring in 1998. His legacy still continues as BMS Direct, employing over 70 team members and still providing the service levels his customers had become accustomed. He was known to be firm but fair in life and always enjoyed telling stories and jokes to those around him. He enjoyed cooking and absolutely adored his grandchildren. He was very proud of his last name and heritage and spent many hours researching his ancestry. Jim’s greatest accomplishments in life did not come easy. As the oldest sibling, he worked hard from a young age and his drive and determination never waned. He amazed those around him as he was mechanically inclined and he self-educated himself on many subjects to include building a pool and learning the operation and programming of his very first computer. He was proud of his family, the business and his customers who supported him throughout the years. Jim’s life was guided by his deep rooted principle that anything in life could be accomplished if you were willing to work hard and study. He accomplished his mission in life and has fought the good fight. We are comforted to know that he is no longer in pain and will be watching over his family until we meet again.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM on Saturday, December 09, 2017 at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg. A celebration of Jim’s life will follow at 11:30 AM, with Rev. Dr. A. J. Edwin Clever officiating. A reception will be held from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at the RS Exclusive Event House, 104 White Hall Road, Lynchburg, VA 24501.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, (888) 663-3488.
Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.
View Tribute Video
Born Tuesday, April 22, 1941 in Halifax County, Jim was a son of the late James Richard LaPrade, Sr. and the late Lizzie Moorefield LaPrade.
In addition to his wife he is survived by sons, Troy Douglas LaPrade and his wife, Barbara, Rustburg, and James Early LaPrade, Sr., and his wife, Melody, Forest; grandchildren, Jordan, Andrew, James, Jr., and John LaPrade; a sister, Nancy Isley and her husband, Chris of Evington, and a brother, David LaPrade of SC.
Jim honorably served our country as a member of the US Navy during the Cuban Missile crisis. During his service, he served on the USS Du Pont destroyer and traveled the world. He was proud of his military service and loved telling stories of the places he had visited. In August 1973, Jim started Best Mailing Service with the determination that failure was not an option. Both Jim and Judy invested their livelihoods into the business and both actively worked for 25 years before retiring in 1998. His legacy still continues as BMS Direct, employing over 70 team members and still providing the service levels his customers had become accustomed. He was known to be firm but fair in life and always enjoyed telling stories and jokes to those around him. He enjoyed cooking and absolutely adored his grandchildren. He was very proud of his last name and heritage and spent many hours researching his ancestry. Jim’s greatest accomplishments in life did not come easy. As the oldest sibling, he worked hard from a young age and his drive and determination never waned. He amazed those around him as he was mechanically inclined and he self-educated himself on many subjects to include building a pool and learning the operation and programming of his very first computer. He was proud of his family, the business and his customers who supported him throughout the years. Jim’s life was guided by his deep rooted principle that anything in life could be accomplished if you were willing to work hard and study. He accomplished his mission in life and has fought the good fight. We are comforted to know that he is no longer in pain and will be watching over his family until we meet again.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM on Saturday, December 09, 2017 at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg. A celebration of Jim’s life will follow at 11:30 AM, with Rev. Dr. A. J. Edwin Clever officiating. A reception will be held from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at the RS Exclusive Event House, 104 White Hall Road, Lynchburg, VA 24501.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, (888) 663-3488.
Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.
View Tribute Video
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Richard Laprade, Jr., please visit our flower store.
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