James Woodrow Tolar

James (Jim) W. Tolar, From Gulfport, MS, age 82, passed away on Feb. 7, 2016 in Honolulu HI while visiting family. A Memorial Service for James "Jim" Tolar was held at The American Legion Hall 12320 Ashley Drive North Ste., A, Gulfport, MS on Sat. February 20, 2016 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM . Interment with Military Honors will be held at The Biloxi National Cemetery 400 Veterans Ave. Biloxi MS 39531 on Friday February 26, 2016 at 2:30 PM . Jim was born in Bradenton Florida to Annie Elizabeth (Doris) and Dewey Tolar. At the time of his death he lived in Gulfport MS. He was born and raised in Florida and met and married his wife, Betty of 62 years in Florida they moved many time while Jim served in the Navy and from Inverness FL moved to Gillette Wyoming in 1974. He was a long time resident in Gillette Wyoming before moving to Mississippi for his retirement. Jim was a Master Electrician and owned and operated his own electrical companies in Florida and Wyoming for many years. Worked Brown & Root, Jacob's Engineering and Enron and his last job was Manufab in Kenner LA and Port Bienville, MS. Jim proudly served in The United States Navy for 10 years and was an Aviation Electrician. While in the Navy he served on The Secretary of Navy's Plane, among many other accomplishments during his service to our country. He was a member of The American Legion since 1954 in Florida, Wyoming and Mississippi. He served as Commander at American Legion Post 42 in Gillette WY and held several other offices while a member in Gillette WY. He served as Legion Commander at Legion Post 119 for 8 years, in Gulfport MS. At the time of his death he held Office in Post 119 as, Finance Officer and was on the American Legion State Executive Board in Mississippi. Jim helped many Veterans while a member of all of The American Legions, Post he served. He was a member of The First Baptist Church Orange Grove, The Naval Fleet Reserve and a 32nd. Degree Mason. Jim was a past member of The Elks Post 978 in Gulfport MS. Jim always loved dancing with his wife Betty and listening to her sing. He loved his large family and was very close to all of his family. Jim enjoyed camping and helping cook over an open fire for his family and many friends while camping, fishing and on paddle fishing trips. Jim helped organize and cook for fund raiser dinners while a member of The American Legions he loved so much. Jim like to travel and made visits to Turkey and several other countries after his retirement. Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Annie Elizabeth (Doris), his father Dewey Tolar and his step-father Scrap Stewart. He is survived by his cherished wife Myra E. "Betty" Tolar and their 5 children. 3 sons and 2 daughters. Daughters, Belinda Boromei (Nick), Pamela Saathoff (Dale). Sons, Joe Tolar (Genetha/Paulette) Jerry Tolar (Susanna) Charles "Chuck" Tolar (Marie /Mimsie) Jim is the oldest of 8 children and is survived by 4 brothers and 3 sisters. Brothers, Ralph "Blackie" Tolar (Barbara) of Bradenton FL, Jack Tolar (Ada) of Inverness FL, Freddie Tolar (Janet) of Al Follette, TN, David Stewart (Jackie) of Buffalo WY. Sisters, Christine Rogers of Bradenton FL, Faye Johns of Bradenton FL, Dianne Stewart of Buffalo WY. Jim was a dedicated family man that loved his large family and had a special close relationship with is 13 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. As well as many nieces and nephews. Jim had and dearly loved his large family, all very close and so many friends it's impossible to name everyone but all were deeply loved in his heart. Jim passed away while being lovingly cared for by his wife and loving family members that came to see him in Hawaii and very special care by his sister Dianne. Jim's wishes in lieu of flowers is donations, may be made to The American Legion Post 119 at: 12320 Ashley Drive North Ste. A, Gulfport, MS. 39503. Condolences, may be sent to: The American Legion Post 119 in Gulfport MS or Bradford - O'Keefe Funeral Home 1726 15th. Street, Gulfport, MS. 39501 Mailing address: PO Box 1106 Gulfport MS 39502