James “Jim” Manchester, 78, of Palm Harbor, FL passed away peacefully on April 26, 2026, at Morton Plant Hospital, in Clearwater, FL with his wife and daughters by his side.

Born on January 2, 1948, in Mount Vernon, NY. Jim was the beloved son of Charles and Alberta “Bertie” Manchester, who preceded him in death.

Jim was a proud graduate of Youngstown State University. He began his professional career as Aquatic Director for the YWCA of Lawrence, MA; where he also coached girls ages 10U–14U in competitive swimming. He later went on to hold executive leadership roles throughout a distinguished career in nonprofit service. Later in life, he retired from the Pinellas County Property Appraiser’s Office.

More than any title or accomplishment, Jim will be remembered for the joy he brought to others. He loved his family, treasured his friends, adored his dogs, and embraced life to the fullest. He was truly the life of the party, with a warmth and charisma that drew people in wherever he went. Jim never met a stranger, and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him loved him. He had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone.

Jim will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Sherry (Hall) Manchester, with whom he shared 54 wonderful years of marriage, of Palm Harbor, FL; his daughters, Jamie Stahlbock of Palm Harbor and Jackie Haas of Tarpon Springs; his sons-in-law, Dennis Stahlbock and Rawie Haas III; and his cherished grandchildren, Reece and Charlee Stahlbock, and Birdie Haas.

His memory will live on in the many lives he touched and in the love and laughter he shared so freely.

A celebration of life will be announced by the family at a later date.