James Neil Pulis

Obituary of James "Jimmy" Neil Pulis

James “Jimmy” Neil Pulis, 86, died Sunday, February 19, 2023 at Winter Haven Hospital in Winter Haven. Jimmy was born January 30, 1937 in Paterson, New Jersey to Chester and Anna (Ryerson) Pulis. On January 19, 1959, Jimmy married Grace Solar in West Milford, New Jersey.

Jimmy enjoyed the outdoors which included fishing, hiking, and spending many years as a Harley motorcycle rider. Jimmy was a member of the West Milford Volunteer Fire Company, No. 6 of West Milford, New Jersey. Joining in March of 1958 at the age of 21, Jimmy was nicknamed “Tiger” and served as Secretary in 1960; Sergeant of Arms (1964); Lieutenant (1965-67); Trustee (1965-67) and again in (1970-71). He was granted Life in 1971 serving 13 years of service.

Jimmy, too, was well-loved and welcomed by the Winter Haven/Haines City motorcycle biking community. Jimmy and his wife were referred to as “Mom” and “Pop” in the community. Singing, yodeling, and playing on his acoustic guitar, Jimmy had a few guitars like his Gibson, Harmony, and his favorite, the Taylor. The Taylor was a 12-string guitar which is harder to play than ones with a 6-string.

As part of the Jimmy Neil and Gracie Rose Country Music Duo Jimmy sang and also played the harmonica. This brought him much joy. Jimmy always dedicated one song to his loving wife, Grace. . . . .”Amazing Gracie” with his own beloved words portraying his love to her. Jimmy and Grace sang at campgrounds and local bars for over 35 years. His daily ritual was strumming his guitar, reading his bible, and drinking his morning coffee. His family was important to him, as well. They visited Cape May, New Jersey every year for vacation when the children were young.

Jimmy lived in three States - New Jersey, Texas, and Florida. He was a Machinist and a tool and die maker for many years as his trade. His workplaces included Kemp Industries Inc, in West Milford, New Jersey; Precision Forms Inc, in Butler, New Jersey; and Spiniello, in Green Ponds, New Jersey. Jimmy retired from Lamaco of Florida Inc, in Haines City, Florida in July of 1983. Family was important to Jimmy. He was affectionately known as “Pop-Pop” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include:

Son, Gary and Faye Pulis of Auburn, Indiana; Son, Kenny Pulis of Fort Worth, Texas; Grandchildren, Renee (Pulis) Baugus, Fort Stewart, Georgia; Stan Loos III and Jenni Loos, Huntertown, Indiana; Brianne and Dan Ash, Brownstown, Indiana; Caitlin Hipskind, Auburn, Indiana; Catherine and Aaron Hissong, Auburn, Indiana; Jovita Muse, Flower Mound, Texas; Darla Kunston, Watauga, Texas; 14 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Grace Rose, who died on February 10, 2023; his parents; brother, John E Pulis of New Jersey; daughter-in-law, Donna Pulis of Fort Worth, Texas; and great-great granddaughter, Carla Muse of Flower Mound, Texas.

A special thank you to the many friends of the local bikers’ community for their support over the years and the nurses and staff at Oak Haven Rehab & Nursing Center in Auburndale and the nurses and staff at the Winter Haven Hospital, Winter Haven.

There will be no services or visitations at this time. Memorial donations may be sent to an organization of your choice in honor of James N Pulis.

Arrangements entrusted to Oak Ridge Funeral Care of Haines City, Florida.

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A Memorial Tree was planted for James
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Oak Ridge Funeral Care - Haines City