Mr. Jimmy Dee Rushing, 81, of Fernandina Beach, passed away Friday, July 29, 2022, surrounded by his wife and loved ones at Baptist Medical Center, Nassau.

He was born in Coffee County, AL and was a son of the late Matthew and Desiree Rushing. Jimmy Rushing moved to Fernandina Beach in 1972 and has been an active member of the community for most of his life.

Mr. Rushing was in the Air Force and Army National Guard in Washington. He married Shirley Rushing on February 3, 1959, then after moving to Fernandina Beach, was employed as an Air Traffic Controller in Hilliard for many years. He graduated and received a BS in business from Jones College Jacksonville, he also worked for the USPS in Yulee for several years.

Papa Dee (as he was known by his family and friends) was a lover of all things sports. He loved to watch and coach all kinds of sports including baseball, wrestling, football, motocross, and boxing. He never missed any of his kids’ sporting events, including watching his daughters cheer and dance. He especially loved to watch top athletes performing during the Olympics. The Bobby Bowden show was a favorite of his, he would love every opportunity to just talk about football. The one thing most people didn’t know is that he was an extremely good artist. His portfolio of paintings, drawings and even clay carvings were astounding!

Fishing was a hobby he loved and was gifted at. He would love to take anyone along for a fun fishing adventure teach a few skills. Another obsession he had was Beekeeping. He would sell his honey locally under the title ‘Papa Dees Bees’. He could tinker & fix practically anything from plumbing, electric, construction, roofing, motorcycles, cars… you name it - he can fix it.

Papa Dee was extremely generous. If he saw a need, it wouldn’t be long before he would find a way to meet the need, be it an envelope of cash or donating a much-needed tool or item to get the job done.

Though he had many hobbies & giftings Mr. Rushing’s family was his passion and priority. He dearly loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Spending time with them gave him such joy beyond anything else he did.

Active in his faith, Mr. Rushing was a member at Five Points & Springhill Baptist Church for many years.

He leaves behind his wife Shirley Ann Rushing of 63 years, 5 children~James Dee Rushing; Wendy Lynne Keen: Ronald Dean Rushing (Beth); Kamie Rushing Fournier (John); Bradley Wayne Rushing (Melody), 14 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

The Celebration of Life for Mr. Rushing will be Friday August 5th, 2022, at 11:00 AM in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors. The family will also receive friends Friday (prior to the service) from 10am until 11am.