James Gregory Deas, 65, long time resident of Myakka City, Florida passed away on December 31, 2022.
Greg was born in Bradenton, to Otto and Edith Anderson Deas.
He was a life-long resident of Manatee County, except for the few years he lived in Sylva, NC, then moved to Myakka City. He attended Southeast High School in Bradenton and later the apprentice electrician program and earned his certification as a Journeyman Electrician. He worked in the electrical field for more than 40 years, the latter half in a foreman and supervising position for several local contractors, the most recent being United Electric. He loved his profession and especially working on large commercial projects. His favorite pastimes were playing his guitars ("which you can never have too many of“), riding his Harley and fishing. As an active member in North Carolina of the Christian Motorcyclist Association, after moving to Myakka City and realizing there was no local CMA chapter in Bradenton or Sarasota, he and his wife began the process of forming a chapter. Along with some new and dear friends, a chapter known as the Faith Riders was born in July of 1999 and is still very active in the area. His fondest memories were participating in Ride to the Gap (Washington, DC) and other memorial rides, road trips and rallies. Greg also played lead guitar and bass guitar in several church praise bands over the years. He would say one of his finest achievements was teaching his grandson, Daniel, to play and that Daniel was a better guitarist than he. His wife says, "maybe, but Greg was an amazing bass player“. Greg loved hanging out with his granddaughter, Naomi, aka Mimi.
Greg was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Edith Deas; first wife Geraldine Jenkins Cochran; and his step-daughter, Larissa Cordell Morris.
Greg is survived by his wife, Gayle Grubb Cordell Deas of Myakka City; Sister, Karen Deas Young of Murfreesboro, TN; Brother, Roger Deas of Cedar Key, FL; brother, Byron Deas of Bryson City, NC; grandson, Daniel Morris of Ada, Ohio; and Naomi Morris of Sarasota, FL; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Greg will be buried Tuesday, Jan 3, 2023 in Manasota Memorial Park in Bradenton.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, January 29, 2023 at Bedrock and Faith Church, 1201 N. Beneva Road, Sarasota, FL 34232.
Greg was a loving husband to Gayle and "Papa" to Daniel and Naomi. He had an amazing sense of humor and a big loving and kind heart. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all who knew and loved him.
