James B. Lockler

James Brian Lockler, 49, a long-term resident of Dracut, MA and lifelong supporter of his hometown community of Dixie County, FL., passed away on 3 August 2021 due to complications from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. James was born on 19 June 1972 to Jean Marie Zeigler (Cothron) and James Byron Locklear in Gainesville, FL. James was raised in and around Dixie County, FL. James would say that in life he was blessed with great looks and an immense intelligence. While those are accurate, he actually believed that his true blessings came from the wonderful people in his life and his ability to move past the pain life brought him. He did not have a happy or loving childhood, but he was able to become a decent human being and surround himself with some amazing people. He wasn’t always the easiest person to deal with, but he always managed to make people smile and laugh. He wasn’t rich, but he worked hard to enjoy some of life’s comforts. He wasn’t well educated, but he created a wonderful career for himself. He didn’t have the best health, but he never gave up or gave in. James had many passions in life, including spending time with family and friends, traveling, reading, genealogy, historical research pertaining to his childhood community, gardening, cooking, and drawing/painting. He was never short on words to say, he was a gifted storyteller, and he loved being in front of an audience of any size. In fact, he had a tendency to make any moment into a public speaking opportunity, even when you didn’t want him to. James had an off kilter sense of humor and he loved to say random things just to get your reaction. Laughing at himself and others made him happy. According to James, he was a well-dressed man. He loved a nice suit with a colorful tie, pocket square, with underwear and socks to match. His favorite thing to wear was his birthday suit. He could spend hours just staring at what he thought was the best designed suit ever created, even with the farmers tan. Others might disagree, but as he would say, they’d be wrong. According to the people in his life, James was a searingly honest, straightforward, compassionate, and empathetic person with an outgoing, charismatic personality who was resolute about his core beliefs and values. He was someone that endured pain and hardship without complaining. He also had a prickly no non-sense side, especially if people annoyed him or did anything that went against what he believed in. James was loved and respected by everyone that took the time to get to know him. James was preceded in death by his beautiful sisters, Elizabeth Jean Harvard (Lockler) and Laura Susan Lockler, his baby brother, Logan Byron Locklear, and his amazing stepdad, George Andrew Zeigler, Jr. He is survived by his loving life partner Brian Karl Tillson; his parents Jean Marie Zeigler (Cothron) and James Byron Locklear; his in-laws Donald and Virginia April, Robert Tillson (Robin Tortora), and Aric Tillson (Laura); his siblings Jean Marie Watson (Locklear), Stephanie Michelle Lockler, Darrell Glen Lockler, James Byron Lockler, and Allan Lockler; his nieces and nephews Rusty Gainey (Kristy), Ashley Lockler, Sammy Chavous, Larry Keen, Dayn Haag, Michael Brand (Kara), Justin Harvard (Olivia), Brandon Harvard (Raina), Nathan Watson, Daniel Lockler (Sonia), Jake Lockler, Jamie Lockler, Janna Lockler, Byron Lockler, Wayne Pitkin, Charlene Pogue (Damien), Joseph Tillson, Emily Tillson, Kenzie and Camden Davis; his great nieces and nephews Kaleigh Mash (Kenneth), Layla Keen, Morgan Keen, Hannah Keen, Maddie Harvard, Chloe Harvard, Mason Harvard, Rodney Gainey, Kamryn Gainey, Keegan Keen, Kelton Keen, Colt Haag, Richard Davis, Logan Pogue, Kaylonua Martinez, Khaleesi Pitkin, Caiden Pitkin, Cayson Pitkin, Elijah Lockler, Isaiah Lockler, Ethanial Lockler, Jozlynn Lockler, Soli Rojas, Charlie Lockler, McKenzie Brand, Ella Brand, and Kilee Brand; and his best friends in life Debby Schumacher and Ryan Davis (Melissa); his special friends Ferrell and Betty Mikell, Cindy Bellot, Daryl and Dottie Ratterree, and Harvey and Joan Resnick; and countless uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends. A viewing will be held on Friday August 13, 2021 from 6-8 PM at the Rick Gooding Funeral Home Cross City Chapel. A celebration of life ceremony for all family and friends wishing to celebrate James and his life on Saturday August 14th, 2021 from 12 PM – 4 PM at Summit Church located at 70 SE 289th St. Cross City, Florida. You are encouraged to take the time to share your memories of him, both good and bad. James admits that there are plenty of stories that will make you laugh and cry, but he always preferred a good laugh, even at his expense. So don’t be shy, you know James wouldn’t be. In lieu of flowers, James asked that you have stiff drink (or several), smoke some quality herb, look for rainbows in the dark, go skinny dipping in a mud puddle, randomly rearrange things in every home or store you go to, give unsolicited random and bizarre advice to complete strangers. In other words, just take time to enjoy life. Do things that make you happy, as long as it does not hurt others. Every moment counts…especially the silly ones. Lastly, be kind to yourself and to everyone you meet. The ALS Foundation of Massachusetts and Compassionate Care ALS provided James and his family tremendous support, equipment, resources, and guidance throughout his fight with ALS. If you feel compelled to do something in his honor both organizations can use your support. They can be found at https://www.als.org/donate and https://ccals.org/donate/ Arrangements have been placed under the care of the Rick Gooding Funeral Home Cross City Chapel, with locations in Cross City 352-498-5400 and Chiefland 352-493-0050. Please sign the online guest book at rickgoodingfuneralhomes.com

James B. Lockler

June 19, 1972 - August 3, 2021