James Gene Bedingfield, 74, of Lake Placid went home to be with his Lord on Thursday afternoon at his residence.  James was a native Floridian, born in Tampa to parents Imogene (Daniels) and James R. Bedingfield on December 25, 1943.  After graduating high school, James enlisted in the US Navy where he retired with 23 years of active duty serving three of those years as a commutations instructor. He was stationed in Hawaii, Pensacola Fl, Guam, Adak, Alaska and Homestead, Fl.  After his honorable discharge, James moved back to Highlands County where he spent most of his life.  James attended First Baptist Church of Lorida. James enjoyed target shooting, collecting clocks, latch hook, cross stitch and loved to be with his family and friends.  James is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Mary Frances, daughter: Connie Bedingfield-Walters (Marlin), 2 grandchildren James Gregory Bedingfield, Philip Nathanael Watson and 2 step-grandchildren Shelby and Maxwell Walters, loving sister-in-law Barbara Miller.  A services to celebrate James' life will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, April 21, 2018 at the First Baptist Church of Lorida, 1927 Blessings Avenue, Lorida, Fl, with Pastor Wayne Godwin officiating.  Military honors will be provided by the US Navy Honor Guard.  James will be laid to rest at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Tampa.  Words of comfort to the family can be made by visiting www.scottfuneralservices.com .  Funeral arrangements entrusted with the Scott Funeral Home 504 W. Interlake Blvd., Lake Placid 863-465-4134.