James Lewis Poyner

James Lewis Poyner passed in peace at home Sunday September 20, 2020 at the age of 93. He is preceded in death by his parents Harry and Gertrude Poyner; brothers Richard and Donald Poyner. Jim was born September 11, 1927 in Waterloo, Iowa, where he attended West High School; he served in the Air Force from 1945-1946, and then he went on to graduate from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa in under three years with honors. Jim was a dedicated salesman with Proctor and Gamble which led to being hired as the manager of Trowbridge’s Supermarket and a warehouse that serviced several stores. During these ten years he served on the Chamber of Commerce, the City Council, and the Hospital Board. In 1961 Jim moved his family to Cedar Falls, Iowa to open his own Ben Franklin store. After a few years he renamed the business Flower City. It was limited to an array of artificial flowers, Christmas trees, gifts, and decorative items. During this time, he served as deacon and then moderator at the Church of the Brethren in Waterloo, Iowa. Due to his passion for keeping businesses closed on Sundays he, along with other concerned citizens, spoke to both the Iowa Congress and Senate in hopes of maintaining the laws that prevented shopping on Sundays. As we all know, the cause was a noble one but in the end everything is open! In 1973 Jim sold his store and moved to sunny Orlando, Florida where Disney World was just opening, and everything was booming: Flower Town/Patio World thrived in Longwood, FL and then in 1976 Casual World on Colonial in Orlando opened and kept him busy and profitable for many years. These stores added patio and casual furniture to their line. His last year in business he served as president of International Casual Furniture. His greatest achievement, however, was the love he had for his wife of 73 years Donna Margaret. Jim truly left a legacy by how he cherished his dearly beloved who survives him in death. He also leaves behind his loving daughter Linda (Steve) Kohn; son Jerald Poyner; Paulette and David Smith; and his much adored grandchildren: Josh (Tiffany) Kohn; Kelly (Michael) Winkler; Reggie (Ashley) Kohn; Abby (Michael) Mezger; Katherine (Patrick) Poyner-Del-Vento; Kristine (Justin) Hertzog; James Hall; Richard (Mille) Poyner-Kristoffersen, and Laura Poyner. He was a gracious patriarch and loving great-grandfather to 19 great-grandchildren; he will be remembered by them, as well as many family members and friends. A Memorial Service will be held at 3:30pm on Thursday, September 24th, 2020 at Willow Creek Church, 4725 East Lake Drive, Winter Springs, FL 32708. Memorial donations can be made to Willow Creek Church. The family of James Lewis Poyner invites you to leave a message of condolence on the Tribute Wall created in his loving memory. The family wishes to send a special thank you to the loving caregivers provided by Sandcastle for their care and compassion.

James Lewis Poyner

September 11, 1927 - September 20, 2020