Obituaries 2-22

James Eugene Bromley

James Eugene Bromley, 58, owner and operator of Jimmy's Home Improvement, passed away in Odenville, Ala., Feb. 15, 2012, after a courageous battle with COPD and lung disease.

Jimmy was born July 10, 1953, in Florence, Ala., the son of James R. Bromley and the late Beatress Dodson Bromley. Jimmy attended school in Alabama and entered the U.S. Air Force, where he served as an aerospace ground equipment technician. He retired after 21 years of service and made his home in Fort Walton Beach. He also served on the Okaloosa Sheriff's Posse in the mid-90s.

Jimmy is survived by his sons, Maxon Bromley and wife, Chasity, and Jimmy Ray Bromley and wife, Wendy; five grandchildren; and three step-grandchildren. Jimmy leaves a brother, Charles Bromley and wife, Lucille; a sister, Brenda Slater and husband, John; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, all of Alabama. He also leaves his long-time girlfriend and “best friend”, Rhoda Berger of Destin; and his extended family.

Jimmy was initiated into BPO Elks Lodge 1795 in 2005. In his relatively short time as a member, Jimmy held several chair positions and was elected to Exalted Ruler in 2009. Jimmy also held many positions in the District and the State Association, such as Chairman for Elks National Foundation Certificates and was also district chairman for the Elks Army of Hope. Jimmy gave his time, his skills and his money to help further the charitable works of the Elks and to support his lodge.

Anyone who knew Jimmy knows how caring and giving he was, always ready to help anyone.

There will be a memorial service at 11 a.m. March 3 at Fort Walton Elks Lodge 1795 on Okaloosa Island. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Harry-Anna Trust Fund; or the Army of Hope at P.O. Box 49, Umatilla, FL 32784-0049.