Jimmy was born February 25, 1935, in Jasper, Florida, and raised in Safety Harbor, Florida. After graduating from Clearwater High School, he joined the Army and served in Japan. Once his term was over, he began working for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) as a Survey Rodman and progressed through multiple positions during his career as a Project Engineer, Resident Engineer, District Construction Engineer, and finally retiring in 1999 as the Director of Construction for the entire State of Florida. In the mid 1970s, Jimmy studied and attended St. Petersburg College at night to obtain his Professional Engineering license all while working full time and coaching youth football and baseball. He passed the Professional Engineering license exam in 1977 and, at that time, was promoted to Resident Engineer. After retiring from FDOT, Jimmy remained active in the industry working as a consultant for Tampa Bay Engineering. He eventually started his own company to provide dispute review services and served on many dispute review boards across the state. Jimmy was inducted into the Florida Transportation Builders Association Hall of Fame in 2018 and was always known for his fairness, professionalism, and that smile of his that he showed to everyone he met.

Jimmy enjoyed playing golf and tennis and especially loved watching the Tampa Bay Rays, Lightning and Bucs. His favorite activity, however, was traveling with his wife Betty and spending time with his family.

Jimmy is predeceased by his parents J.B. and Olive Lairscey.

He is survived by his wife of almost 65 years, Betty (BB) Lairscey; his two children, Lori Reiter and Lance Lairscey (Sharlene); 11 grandchildren and ten great grandchildren; and his sisters, Martha Jo Haun (Bob) and Ruth Jameson (Mick).

Visitation will be held at Hodges Family Funeral Home in Dade City on April 7th between 4:00 and 5:00 pm with memorial services beginning at 5:00. Military burial services to follow at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell on April 8th at 10:00 am.

Visitation

Hodges Family Funeral Home & Cremation Center

Thursday, April 7, 2022 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM 11441 US HIGHWAY 301 Dade City, Florida 33525 Directions Funeral Service

Hodges Family Funeral Home & Cremation Center

Thursday, April 7, 2022 5:00 PM 11441 US HIGHWAY 301 Dade City, Florida 33525 Directions Graveside Service

Florida National Cemetery

Friday, April 8, 2022 10:00 AM 6502 SW 102nd Avenue Bushnell, Florida 33513 Directions