James "Jimmy" Negrin

James “Jimmy” Negrin, 72, born July 13, 1951 in Key West, Florida and a man passionate about his punctuality, passed away October 14, 2023 in Ocala, Florida, the one time we wished he didn’t have to be somewhere so early.

Jimmy was raised in Key West and fiercely proud to be a native Conch. He fondly recounted stories of his childhood on the island, where he lived for 27 years, and the fun he had, especially with his two brothers. In the late 70s, Jimmy moved briefly to Jacksonville, where he fathered his favorite child, Allison, then to Pompano Beach, Florida where he worked as a production supervisor for many years at Monier Roof Tile. After years of living in the hustle and bustle of South Florida, Jimmy decided to move to the Ocala area in 2005 for a slower paced lifestyle. Here, he spent his days as a model retiree: not doing much of anything. Throughout his life, Jimmy enjoyed classic rock music, cranked up to questionable decibel levels, while sometimes accompanied by his favorite drink, Bacardi and Coke; He enjoyed sports, like watching NASCAR races and rooting for his beloved Miami Hurricanes and Miami Dolphins, even with all the disappointing losses they have encountered. In his spare time, you could find him tinkering with classic cars and, more often than not, lending a helping hand to others, who could count on him for his unrivaled generosity and selflessness. Jimmy is remembered for his intelligence, quick wit, and humor, and his tenderness and compassionate nature beneath a distinctively gruff “Negrin” exterior. Jimmy was a green thumb and lovingly tended to plants, his favorites of which included some decades old brain cactus, which will continue to bloom and grow in his absence. Above all, he was the best father and grandfather anyone could ask for, and his most prized role in life was taking care of and spending time with his daughter and granddaughters. He was an exemplary man whose kindness never wavered, even throughout life’s unkindness. He is deeply, deeply cherished, and will be forever missed. He also might be a little ticked off at how late I was to get this obituary completed.

 “Allison, if you are not 10 minutes early, you’re late.” – Jimmy Negrin 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ismael Negrin Jr and Zoila Fernandez Negrin Mere and his brother, Ismael Richard Negrin. Jimmy is survived by his daughter, Allison Negrin; beloved granddaughters, Lisset Cristina Negrin Lanza of New York City, and Livia Zoila Negrin Lanza of Belleview, Florida; sister, Tammy Negrin Bruton (Terry), brother, Robert Negrin; and many loving nieces and nephews. 

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the staff and caregivers at Hospice of Marion County and especially the Grace Hall Davis House for their unwavering support, compassion, and dedication. Your kindness and the comfort you provided in such a difficult time will forever be appreciated. We are also profoundly grateful for the care and tenderness you showed to our family at every given moment.