James E. Oxford of Lakeland, FL died on his 84th birthday, March 15, 18. Mr. Oxford was born in Winter Haven, FL to James R. & Katherine (Beasley) Oxford. He was a lifelong resident of this area having attended Inwood elementary school in Winter Haven and attended Winter Haven High School, where he played football and basketball for the Blue Devils. In Sept. of 1951 he enlisted in the US Navy and proudly served during the Korean Conflict aboard the USS Clarion River (LSM(R)-409). In 1953 he married the love of his life, Bettie Fox, they moved to Lakeland in 1956 and he began a career with Union Camp Corp. and worked there from 1956 until retiring in 1995, after retirement he enjoyed spending time at their cabin "Almost Heaven" in Ellijay, GA. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 4, Crestview Baptist Church, while his children were growing up he enjoyed coaching minor league baseball, and he was an avid Florida Gator Football and Basketball fan. Mr. Oxford was preceded in death by his parents, brother Russell and Grandson Mark Jones. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Bettie, children James, Jr., David (Lyndia), Frank (Diana), Tammy Tatar, Brother Richard, Sister Jayne Sarkany, Grandchildren Randy (Monica), Frankie, Jr., Christopher, Justina (Rob), Brittany (Preston), Adam (Angie). Great, Grandchildren Kiwi, Savannah, Dakota, Brooklyn, Justin, Phoenix, Makayla, Major, Maddox. His family will receive friends from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at Gentry Morrison Funeral Home 3350 Mall Hill Rd, Lakeland where a funeral service will take place at 10:00 am on Wednesday, March 21, 2018. Mr. Oxford will be laid to rest at Florida National Cemetery at 2:30pm also Wednesday. In lieu of flowers the request that you please consider your donation to the building fund at Crestview Baptist Church 615 Old Polk City, FL 33809. Polk