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Lee Skarpalezos
Thank you for being a great friend and neighbor!! Although we spent times together on Thrasher Lane, I always appreciated your kindness and fellowship when we did see each other and including me in the Thrashonian celebrations !! We won’t forget you or your smile. Rest In Peace
Patrick McQueen
My buddy Jim, what a great guy. He always had a smile and something funny or interesting to say. Wherever he was, Jim rolled with it. Like the time we played and he started “topping” the ball. After two or three times, someone called him Topper Harley. Jim laughed and went with it. For a week or so I think he called himself Topper… Topper Harley. I miss Jimbo already. He was a good one.
Rhonda Dennis
Jim had the best smile and was always ready to use it. A very sweet, warm hearted and kind man. Jim will be missed. ❤️
Sherri Rinker
🙏🙏for Donna and all of Jim’s family… I’m sure he’s upstairs feeling like a kid again And coaching The GATORS!!🐊🐊.
Ann Hardage
Rest in peace my friend. Thankful for our friendship and for bringing Emily into my life. Go Gators
Lauren Lowe Barry
NO! I’m heartbroken, Donna.
James Sverre Manken
2021-10-04
After a brief illness, Jim Manken, 60 of Fernandina Beach, Florida passed away in the early evening of Monday, October 4 surrounded by family.
Born on January 13 in Bergen, Norway, Jim graduated from Fernandina Beach High School in 1979 and then actively served in the United States Coast Guard from 1979 - 1984. In 1990, Jim received his Bachelor of Business in Real Estate and Urban Land Economics from the University of North Florida and began his career in real estate as a real estate appraiser, realtor and broker - first in Orlando, then in Jacksonville and finally back home in Fernandina where he opened The Manken Group, a successful real estate appraisal and consulting firm.
Jim was an avid lover of the ocean and felt best when his toes were in the sand or when he was riding the waves on a boat. His love of music, especially the drums, lead him to entertaining small and large crowds in several bands throughout the years. He was also a lover of golf. His homeland of Norway always held a special place in his heart and he visited whenever he got the chance. He will long be remembered for his awesome neighborhood oyster roasts, his signature drink – a Jim Beam and Ginger, and love of all things Florida… especially his beloved Gators!
Jim was preceded in death by his dad, John H. Manken, a brother John H. Manken Jr. and his paternal grandparents, John E. and Grace D. Manken. Left to celebrate his life and his memory are his wife, Donna Bilger-Manken; daughter, Emily Manken of Fernandina Beach; step-daughter, Alisha Beasley (TJ) of Sterling Heights, MI; step-son, Devin Bilger (Ramie) of Fernandina Beach; brother, Joe Manken (Marisol) of Fernandina Beach; sisters Marcy Baker (Ken) of La Conner, WA and Linda Jobe of Sikeston, MO; mother, Svanhild Tefre (Asbjorn) of Bergen, Norway; granddaughter, Lainy Beasley; nephew, Tor Manken as well as many other nieces and nephews.
Jim was known for his kindness, honesty, and helpfulness to all who needed it. He loved his friends and family fiercely and will be greatly missed by all those who loved and cherished him back.
A visitation will be held at Oxley-Heard Funeral Home on Monday, October 11 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm with a celebration of Jim’s life held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that any memorial contributions be made to Community Hospice and Palliative Care, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257.
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