James Edward Godfrey, devoted family man
James Edward Godfrey, 81, passed away peacefully Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, surrounded by his loving family after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.
Jim was born Feb. 16, 1937, in Selbyville to the late William J. Godfrey and Alberta Gray Godfrey. Jim was a graduate of Selbyville High School class of 1956 and Goldey Beacom College. After high school, Jim served his country in the U.S. Army, stationed in Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C., and Fort Devens, Ayer, Mass. He continued with a tour of duty in Seoul, Korea. Upon returning stateside, he worked for Shellhorn & Hill, finished his degree and worked as a procurement officer for the State of Delaware, Division of Purchasing, retiring in 2000.
Jim had a wonderful sense of humor and loved being the life of the party. He enjoyed hanging with all of his buddies at either the American Legion Stahl Post or the University of Delaware football games, and loved crab feasts with family and friends. His friends were a tremendous joy to him.
Most importantly, Jim was a devoted family man. His family was his greatest love, and he adored his wife, children and grandchildren. Jim could be seen coaching baseball for the Capitol Little League or coaching his son’s basketball games. He took such pleasure in watching all of his children’s sporting events, and he never missed a game in which they were playing.
Jim is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 57 years, Bernice Murray Godfrey; son Scott M. Godfrey; daughter Lisa Godfrey Lyons, her husband Patrick, and grandsons Bradley, Thomas and Michael Godfrey and Jack, Shane and Nathan Lyons; and sister-in-law Barbara Jane Furman. He is also survived by nieces Tammy Olewinski (Bill) and Amy Furman, Lindsay, Katie and Megan Olewinski and his nephew Ian Furman. Along with his parents, Jim was predeceased by his in-laws James R. and Maud H. Murray, brother-in-law Bruce C. Furman; and his nephew Stephen B. Furman.
Services will be Wednesday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m., at Mount Lebanon United Methodist Church, 850 Mount Lebanon Road, Wilmington, with visitation starting at 5:30 p.m. Funeral service will be held Thursday, Feb. 7, at 1 p.m,. with visitation starting at noon, at Melson Funeral Home, 43 Thatcher St., Frankford. Interment immediately follows at Mariner’s Bethel United Methodist Church, Ocean View, 81 Central Ave., Ocean View.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Mount Lebanon United Methodist Church at the address above. The family would like to thank all of the staff at Regal Heights Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Hockessin, for the loving care given to Jim the last two months of his life. Sincere gratitude to all those who supported Jim and Bernice over the last few months, with special thanks to Pastor Jennifer Kerby and Ken and Gerri Jeffery and family for their endless support.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com
