James Joseph Cuffe

11/9/40 – 2/6/23

Jim was a brilliant, quiet, soft-spoken man with a subtle, dry sense of humor, a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Born in Buffalo, NY, the only child of Helen Pfeil and Jim Cuffe, Sr., Jim grew up playing baseball, the trumpet, and excelling in academics. He graduated from Canisius College and the University of Buffalo School of Medicine.

In 1960 he married Mary Cunningham. Together, they quickly had four children. In 1965 they moved for his radiology residency at Tampa General. In 1967, the family moved to Orlando’s McCoy Air Force Base where he served as a Captain during the Vietnam War. Mary and Jim divorced in 1971 yet together with his second wife, Sherri, maintained a friendly relationship throughout the years.

In 1971 Jim married Sherri Baxley. Together, they had two daughters. Jim and Sherri settled in Brooksville, FL where he had a successful career as a radiologist. Jim was always busy with one of his many hobbies – running, photography, gardening, model trains, traveling, golfing, skiing, and caring for his numerous pets. Jim and Sherri were very involved in the Brooksville community and enjoyed hosting big and small gatherings for family and friends. They were huge Disney fans and spent many happy times at the Magic Kingdom.

Jim completed several marathons, including Boston, and was the founder of Brooksville's infamously tough runner’s race, the "Flatlander's Challenge".

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Sherri Baxley Cuffe, children Laurie Cuffe Kelley, Mark Cuffe, MD, Colleen Cuffe (Chris Alvarez), Craig Cuffe, Kristi Cuffe and Jamie Cuffe, 15 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents and son-in-law, Mike Kelley.

A memorial service will take place on Saturday, February 18 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Chester H. Ferguson Law Center, 1610 N. Tampa Street, Tampa 33602. All are welcome.

Thank you to the caregivers at Arden Courts of Tampa Memory Care Community for their care over the past four years. Our family is grateful for all of you.

In lieu of flowers please give to the Alzheimer's Association or the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/tampa-cremation for the Cuffe family.