James (Jim) Michael Mellon, 84, of Clermont, Florida, passed away on January 2, 2019, at Mike Conley Hospice House after a brave battle with Alzheimer's.

The family will hold a viewing on Sunday, January 6, 2019, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Becker Funeral Home, 806 W. Minneola Avenue, Clermont, FL, 34712.

The funeral mass will be held on Monday, January 7, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 720 12 ^th Street, Clermont, FL, 34711. A celebration luncheon for family and friends will immediately follow. Private burial for immediate family will be held at Florida National Cemetery (military internment in Bushnell, FL) at a later date.

Jim was born on April 11, 1934, in Toledo, Ohio to the late Patrick and Elsie Mellon. A son of Irish immigrants, Jim was a proud American who served in the Army for two years. He married Carol Jean Griffin on August 30, 1958, in Toledo where they began their life together before moving to Detroit. He graduated from the University of Toledo with a degree in accounting and a minor in English. Jim instilled his belief in education in his children. He wrote and spoke with eloquence and humility and worked as an accountant for General Motors for 37 years.

Upon retirement, he and Carol moved from Livonia, Michigan to Florida where he spent two decades traversing across Central Florida, cheering on his four grandchildren at their St. John Vianney School and Bishop Moore High School sporting events. It seemed he never missed a match or milestone. When he wasn't in the bleachers as a proud grandfather, he was playing golf or bridge with friends, watching Jeopardy with his wife of 60 years or tending to his yard. A loyal Notre Dame football fan and proud Irishman, Jim took many trips to South Bend and enjoyed ending the day with a pint (or two!).

A loving, proud and devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, Jim is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Patrick Mellon and Bill Mellon; sisters Fran Jenks, Jesse McIlhargey, Theresa Sarra, Elsie Kilcorse.

He is survived by his wife; sister Patricia Lemke; children Jim Mellon, Peggy Fernandez (Carlos), Patti Johnson; son-in-law Lucien Johnson; grandchildren Lucien (Caroline), Erin, Griffin Johnson, Caroline Fernandez.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Alzheimer's Association at alz.org in memory of Mr. Mellon to help educate and support patients and families and to fund research into new treatments and cures.

The family of Jim wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the most professional and compassionate staff at South Lake Hospital and Mike Conley Hospice House.