Mr. James W. Best

May 16, 1945 - January 28, 2020

James W. Best (Jim), of Tavares, Florida passed away on January 28, 2020. The beloved son of William F. Best (deceased) and Helen I. Best (deceased), he is survived by his loving wife, Ann Marie S. Best, daughter Jacqueline S. Best, son-in-law Cesar, grandchildren Taylor, Brenden and Jackie. Jim was born in Buffalo, New York and graduated from SUNY Buffalo. Right after college he married Ann Marie and joined the military serving as a medic for the US Army. After the Army he went to work for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Buffalo. Jim later moved to Saratoga Springs, NY becoming the COO of Blue Shield of Northeastern NY in Albany, NY. He and his wife retired to Tavares, FL to be close to his daughter and grandchildren. Jim touched many lives everywhere he went. His larger than life personality and tremendous sense of humor made everyone he met feel special. A Mass for Jim will be held at St. Mary of the Lakes in Eustis, FL on Friday, February 7th at 11:00 AM with a burial service immediately following the Mass at Lakeside Memory Gardens in Eustis, Florida. After the burial, family and friends are welcome to join a celebration of life at their home in Tavares. Address to the home will be shared with everyone at the Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association.