James Peter Glaser, 75, passed away on June 14, at HCA Florida Capital Hospital. He was born on May 8, 1947, to James and Barbara Glaser, in Saint Paul, Minn. James grew up in the city of his birth and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps right after graduating high school. After serving in Vietnam and returning as a decorated veteran, he studied art and constructive design at Arizona State University, where he received his bachelor’s degree.
James later married Charmaine Marie Leecy, an Anishinaabe woman from Nett Lake, Minn. At the end of her life, James cared for her as she died from a long-endured illness. After Charmaine’s passing, James met and married Wanda Violet, a native Floridian, and they purchased a home in Madison, where they resided as valued members of the community for 12 years.
The date of Jim’s passing, Flag Day, June 14, 2022, was significant for a proud, decorated veteran. During the final hours of his life, a late afternoon Florida thunderstorm blew in. Jim departed this life to the sounds of tumultuous thunder and lightning, as if Heaven itself were heralding his passing and welcoming him to join his Savior and loved ones who had gone before.
James was a prolific writer, gifted storyteller, woodworker and sculptor, known for his pursuit of excellence and perfection in his work. He was trained as a Master Gardener at the University of Minnesota and grew perfect tomatoes. He designed and built an immense and magical treehouse with towers, screened-in porches and adjoining walkways and transformed the yard he shared with Wanda into an oasis of thriving plants, fruit trees and gardens of both flowers and vegetables.
He spent many happy hours perfecting a fudge recipe passed down from his mother. He never kept his creations but shared them with countless friends he made throughout his life. For those not within sharing distance, he recounted the experience and process, so they felt they were right there beside him.
James is survived by his wife of 14 years, Wanda Violet; his three children, Nikki Glaser (Larry), Garrett Glaser (Lucci), Whitney Glaser (Rob); two sons by marriage, Caleb Green (Malia) and Joseph Green (Courtney); six grandchildren, Jazmin, Amelia, Mia, Mason, James, Lizzy and four by marriage: Joey, Matthew, Mya and Nathan; three sisters, Jean Hartle, Jackie Chiapuzio and Jodi Chafin (Mike).
To say that he will be missed is an understatement. His impact on the people in the different places he has lived, from Minnesota to Arizona and finally to North Florida, has and will linger on for many, many years. Few people ever come along with the character, fidelity, honesty, compassion, strength and tenderheartedness that were all found in the man, James Peter Glaser.
No services are scheduled at this time. If you wish to honor Jim’s memory, please make a donation in his honor to someone who is struggling during these difficult economic times in your community, which is something he was always quick to do.
Beggs Funeral Home, Madison Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. They can be reached at (850) 973-2258.
You may send your condolences to the family by visiting their website at www.beggsfuneral.com.