James Michael Underhill

James Michael Underhill, age 85, of Saint Cloud, FL passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2023.

Jim was born on September 25, 1938 in Bishop, CA.  He joined the Navy at age 17 and served his country for over 20 years, He was a Vietnam War Veteran whose most memorable time was serving aboard the USS Hepburn. He retired as a Chief Petty Officer. He the continued to serve as a Commander for the VFW Post 2539 in Gulfport, MS when he retired, where he worked with others to provide services to veterans.

Jim loved spending time with his family and friends, especially with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved his church family, the New Orleans Saints, playing golf, and especially loved playing with his grandkids and watching his grandson play baseball. He would occasionally travel with the travel team and became pawpaw to so many. His smile and love for life were infectious. To Jim, God and family were most important. He was strong, loving and grateful.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Palmer Underhill; his beloved daughter, Dale Collins; brother-in-law, Louis Palmer; and his parents, John and Lillian Underhill.

Survivors include his son, Vincent; his daughters, Cindy and Mary; grandchildren, Brandon, Jamie, Shalynn, Josh, Michael, Damian, and Kayla; along with 12 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild; his sister-in-law, Kerry Palmer; and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15^th Street, Gulfport. Friends may visit beginning at 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery with honors by the U.S. Navy. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15^th Street, Gulfport is honored to serve the Underhill family.