James R. “Bubba” Speed, 73, of Venice, Florida entered thru the gates of heaven on March 15, 2009 in the comfort of his home with his loving wife, daughter, son, and grandson by his side. Today our world changed forever, as we mourn the loss of a husband, father, grandpa, brother and friend after a year long illness. James was born on April 28, 1935 in Demopolis, Alabama to Stephen E. Speed and Lorena Charlton. During Jim’s life he was passionate about being a Florida Highway Patrol auxiliary and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Deputy Reserve. Jim also had a love for helping so many people, and he found the time to become a “Big Brother” for the Big Brother / Big Sister organization. His need to make a difference knew no bounds. He touched so many lives that there were too many to count. He looked for opportunities to touch some ones life and leave his mark that would last forever in our hearts and in our memories. James served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1950; he then found employment with the General Telephone Company in 1957 and remained there until he retired 18 years ago at the age of 55. To all who knew him would agree that Jim was bigger than life and was respected and loved by all. Mr. Speed is survived by his wife of 53 years, Phyllis; son, James A. Speed; daughter, Bambi Colyar; grandson Mathew R. Wagle; brother, Eddie Speed and sister, Jane Tucker.