James L. Gariepy, 73, of Hudson, Florida and formerly of Hampstead, New Hampshire, passed away suddenly on September 8, 2022, after a valiant battle against heart disease. He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Diane; his son David, of Royal Palm Beach, Florida; his daughter Pamela, of Spring Hill, Florida; and two beautiful grandchildren, Cameron and Cooper. He also leaves behind his brother in law’s family, Bob and Linda Feroce of MA, and two nieces, Leah Royds of NH and Lauren Cronin of NH.

Jim was a self-made man. He left home at the age of 18 to join the United States Navy and fight for his country during the Vietnam War. He did three tours in Vietnam and the Orient on the USS Constellation. His service likely became the catalyst for his future love of travel, which took him to Italy, Ireland, France, Germany, and Russia.

As a determined young veteran, he returned home to finish his education. After graduating from Portsmouth Vocational Technical College, he embarked on the first of two careers. He worked as a schematic designer for Bell Laboratories for nearly 20 years. During this time, however, Jim harbored an intense desire to enter the field of law enforcement. It would be in this field that he flourished and left his mark.

Upon graduating from the New Hampshire Police Academy at 40 years old, Jim was given the Staff Motivational Award. He then began his new career with the Plaistow and Hampstead, NH Police Departments. His career advanced when he joined the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, where he rose through the ranks to Detective Sergeant in the Homicide Unit. Jim distinguished himself by showing compassion, common sense, and professionalism on the job. He was commended for showing good judgment and restraint with violent individuals while being compassionate toward children and their families who were victimized by major crimes.

However, Jim will be remembered most for the many friendships he made. He had so many friends because people sensed a genuineness and empathy toward others. To his family, he was a rock and loving husband. He was a proud father to his son David, whom he helped guide throughout his years of playing college baseball and onto his own career in law enforcement. He was a proud father to his daughter Pam, who chose a similar path in the Pasco County court system.

He leaves behind a legacy of love for people, family, and his chosen profession. He faced life head on, optimistically and courageously, particularly when he became ill. Interestingly, his family crest is that of a warrior; with a knight’s helmet and shield, and with colors that represent virtues of bravery, loyalty, and generosity. Jim’s life was a testament to just that.