James Dezell September 10, 1926 - May 1, 2024
Coral Gables, Florida - Born in Ft. Lauderdale on September 10, 1926, to Frank and Mary Louise Dezell, a pioneer family, just days before the “Miami Hurricane” devastated South Florida.
After graduation from Miami High, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy. Upon discharge he attended the University of Miami and graduated with a degree in Business Administration. He continued his education at Northwestern University where he studied mortgage banking. While at the UM, he served as President of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity.
Jim began his career working for Shepard Broad, who was developing Bay Harbor Islands. While working on Miami Beach, he became a member of the Surf Club, Bachelors Club and President of the Kiwanis Club of North Shore Miami Beach. Jim later joined his father, Frank Dezell, at family-owned Southeastern Mortgage.
The best day of Jim’s life occurred when he met the love of his life, Joan Cornberg, on a blind date in 1957. They married the following year and began their amazing ride through life together on their honeymoon road trip to Niagara Falls in Jim’s 1957 Corvette. Within 3 years, their family was complete with Jim Jr., Lisa, and Lori. The rest of Jim’s life was committed to being a great husband and father to the family he loved so much and pursuing his new career as a home builder.
Jim started Coral Ridge Construction Company in 1964 and built over 140 custom luxury homes in Coral Gables and cared about the families that would occupy them. He loved Coral Gables as a resident actively involved in his community for over 65 years.
After his retirement from home building, Jim remained active helping his son develop his nursery business in Ft. Lauderdale, Flamingo Road Nursery. He had a passion and love for plants and the people that grow them. Up until the end of his life, Jim would visit the Redlands and Homestead to drive the fields admiring the beauty and interacting with the growers.
Throughout their marriage, Jim and Joan traveled extensively and enjoyed exploring the world by plane, train and cruise ship. During the last 20 years of his life, Jim and Joan spent every summer at their mountain home in Hiawassee, GA. It was here that Jim excelled at being a grandfather. His days were often spent driving his boat on Lake Chatuge, teaching his grandchildren to waterski, gardening, taking mountain road trips, and making homemade ice cream for family to enjoy! His legacy and memories of his remarkable life will remain alive in our family home in the mountains.
Jim was a deacon for years at Shenandoah Presbyterian Church, and later joined Granada Church where he and Joan have been active members for 53 years.
Jim is survived by his wife, Joan, and children Jim (Lisa) of Ft. Lauderdale; Lisa Hood (Don) of Marietta, Georgia; Lori Dezell of Tallahassee; grandchildren Jimmy, Elizabeth (Alex), Taylor, and great grandson Cash.
Services were private. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.