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James Edward Southard, Sr. (aka Woodchuck and Jimbo) died peacefully in his home in Norfolk, Virginia on August 21, 2020, after a long ordeal with leukemia. He was born on December 28, 1943 in Roebling, NJ to Margaret Spence Southard and James Caldwell Southard.

He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years Bella Alipio Gamad Southard; sisters Margaret Slocum (children Dawn and J.C.) from Bordentown, NJ and Sharon Southard from Roebling, NJ; his daughters Beth Silsdorf (Scott Silsdorf) from Norfolk, VA and Patricia Greenstein (Dan Greenstein) from Takoma Park, MD; sons James Troy Southard (Melissa Southard) from Eastampton, NJ; James E. Southard Jr. (Mara Southard) from Charleston, SC; and Phillip Southard (Tatiana Wheatcraft) from New Port Richey, FL. He loved his grandchildren (Lauren, Leilani, Thomas, Samantha, Melanie, Matthew, Daniel, Kori, and Kassidie) and relished being a grandfather.

He served in the US Navy for 24 years as a Radioman, retiring in 1986 after tours in Imperial Beach, CA (Naval Air Station Ream Field); San Diego, CA (USS PRAIRIE AD-15); several tours in the Philippines (Naval Station Sangley Point, San Miguel Communication Station, USS HANCOCK CV-19); and several tours in his beloved Hawaii (NAVCAMS EASTPAC and USS RATHBURNE FF-1057).

Jim's favorites were as follows: 1)  his wife Bella who he didn't like the first time he met her but loved unconditionally with all his heart for almost 42 years; 2) foods:  sweet and sour pork, spam, and anything sweet; 3) making wood signs; 4) dreaming of being a hot dog cart proprietor; 5) Hawaii; 6) picking the most thoughtful and meaningful greeting cards; 7) being a grandfather; and 8) being a joker ("ang pangalan ko ay demoño" which means "my name is devil" in Tagalog).

We are forever grateful for the wonderful memories and funny stories. He is in heaven now, reunited with his daughter Sharon and granddaughter Lea, peacefully watching TV in his recliner, in his favorite bathrobe.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Disabled American Veterans (DAV)