James Lawrence "Jim" Gift

James Lawrence “Jim” Gift December 7, 1936 – April 23, 2025

James Lawrence “Jim” Gift, 88, of Port St. Lucie, Florida, passed away on April 23, 2025.

Born on December 7, 1936, in Los Angeles, California, Jim was a proud Navy veteran, skilled craftsman, and devoted family man. After graduating from Wheatland High School in California, he joined the U.S. Navy in 1955 and served aboard the USS Leyte. He later continued his service in the National Guard, where he earned the nickname “Sergeant Rock.”

Jim was a master carpenter and superintendent who spent his career working on major construction projects both in the U.S. and abroad, including the St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant Unit #2, battleship lift stations in Egypt and Puerto Rico, and military facilities in Oman. He moved to Port St. Lucie in 1978 to help build the power plant, and he remained a dedicated resident ever since.

A man of many talents, Jim was also a cabinetmaker, Scout Master for Cub Scouts Pack #3, and a square dancer alongside his beloved wife Mary Lou, whom he met at a Navy dance. He loved fishing, home building, and tending his large vegetable garden—a passion rooted in his upbringing on a dairy and cattle farm.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Mary Lou Gift of Port St. Lucie, FL; and his son, Timothy Gift of Fort Pierce, FL. He was preceded in death by his sons, James Owen Gift and Michael Rory Gift.

A memorial service will be held on June 21, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Haisley Funeral Home in Fort Pierce, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts of America—organizations close to Jim’s heart.