James Richard Wunderly

James Richard Wunderly, “Jim,” was born in Pittsburgh, PA on October 21, 1945. He moved to Miami, Florida as a child in 1950, married in 1973, and moved to Cottondale in 1977. He worked in law enforcement for 46 years, including for the Dade County Sheriff’s Office in Miami, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Cottondale Police Department in various roles. He was also employed with the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners for 28 years. He served on the JCARC Board of Directors for many years, was a Guardian ad Litem for children in the family court system, and was a member of Eastside Baptist Church.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Regis and Ruth Wunderly of Miami, Florida; son-in-law, Raymond Arledge of Altoona, Alabama; niece, Tammy Wunderly of Orlando, Florida; and most recently his beloved wife, Linda Wunderly of Cottondale, Florida in October of 2023. 

He is survived by his son, Seth Wunderly (Cottondale); daughter, Shannon Arledge (Altoona, AL); brother, Clint Wunderly; sister-in-law, Debby Wunderly (The Villages); brothers and sisters-in-law, Bruce and Kathy Diesner (Cottondale) and David and Debbie Diesner (Palm Bay).

His grandchildren are Moriah Mendoza, Jessica Brooks, Alexis Arledge, Kaleb Arledge and wife, Shay, and two great-grandchildren, Ethan and Emalee Mendoza. His nieces are Jillian Diesner, Katie Johnson and husband, Ben, Candace Self and husband, Barry. His nephews are Clint Wunderly, Jr., Steve Wunderly, and Dane Diesner and wife, Carmen. His great-nieces are Kalaya Wills, Ekko Self, and Lexi Wunderly, great-nephews Renzo and Rocco DiNegro Diesner, Luke and Levi Johnson, and Diego Wunderly. His very special extended family are Dennis and Janice Sloan, Lindsay, Timmy, and Lyla Boone, and Adam, Julia, Eleanor and Noah Sloan. 

A memorial service will be held at 2 P.M. Saturday, October 19, 2024 at Eastside Baptist Church with Reverend Dr. David Beigle officiating. 

The family will receive friends for visitation one hour prior to the service at Eastside Baptist Church. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Florida Baptist Children’s Homes at www.fbchomes.org

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