James Andrew Kidd I ("Jim") 78 of Sanford, Florida passed away Friday, December 4 2020.

Born February 23, 1942 in New Jersey, he was the son of the late Jack and Alice Kidd. Jim entered the U.S. Air Force shortly after graduation from Triton High School in 1959. He was stationed in the Panama Canal Zone, where he met his sweetheart for life, Laurie Jo.

After leaving the Air Force, he left Panama and returned to the United States. Jim eventually continued his passion for aviation by joining Boeing Airlines in 1966 in helicopter assembly. His engaging personality continued his path with the airlines. He held positions from ramp services, to customer services with British Airways and eventually moved to Eastern Airlines for a management position. In 1995, he moved to Sanford, to be an integral part of the reopening of Sanford Airport while working for DynAir Services in Operations. His career continued until 2019, when he retired from Swissport after 23 years of dedicated service.

Jim loved old cars, fishing and being the life of the party. He loved to entertain people with his quick wit, numerous jokes (some off color!) and impersonations. At company events, he put his boss hat aside and you would often find him at the grill, playing Santa Claus or on the dance floor. When he wasn't making people laugh, you would find him at Car Shows or on his boat on the St. John's River.

Jim is predeceased by his son, James Andrew Kidd II.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Laurie Jo "Keegan" Kidd; daughter, Michelle Kidd, son, Lars Kidd; all of Sanford; siblings Barbara, Richard, Michael, Patricia and Jack, seven grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be announced by the family in the Spring.

The family has entrusted his cremation to DeGusipe Funeral Home and Crematory, Sanford Florida.

Please visit Jim's Tribute wall to share your memories.