Get your motor runnin'
Head out on the highway
Lookin' for adventure
And whatever comes our way ...

James and Ruby Lee Pride of Madison, Florida, became the proud parents of James Edward Pride on July 13, 1948. Although James grew up in Madison, he relocated to Sarasota, FL, as a young adult and lived there for 50 years. His father and brother, Larry Pride, both preceded him in death.

James and his brothers were raised in a Christian home. They were taught to love the Lord, to honor His Commandments, and to live by The Golden Rule. Their parents also saw to it that the family worshipped together on Sunday mornings. When James grew in the knowledge of the Lord, he accepted Christ as his Savior and became a member of New Bethel Primitive Baptist Church in Madison.

Because he also shared his father's name, James was called "Hawk" by his family and friends. He never outgrew his nickname. Hawk received his education at Madison County Training School and graduated with the Class of 1966, but he only lived in Madison for a few years afterward. He realized that if he wanted better employment opportunities, he would have to relocate, and he chose Sarasota, FL. Soon after his arrival, he was hired by the City of Sarasota to work in waste management. He remained with that department until his retirement.

In addition to his untiring service on the job, Hawk used his free time on weekends to enhance his passion for riding motorcycles. He and several of his other motor biker friends formed a local chapter of "The Chosen Few". Hawk's official position in the organization was sergeant-at-arms. The biker group traveled together on weekends or other planned times for their own enjoyment or their participation in parades and/or other events.

On Friday, October 1, 2021, James Edward Pride was called to his heavenly home to be at rest for all eternity.

Forever loving and cherishing his memory are his daughters: Yolanda D. Pride of Ellenwood, GA, and Satonia Jackson of Lakeland, FL; grandchildren: Trinity Pride and Robert Murry, both of Ellenwood, GA, and Kyree Hodges and Kylesha Jackson Hodges, both of Lakeland, FL; mother: Ruby Lee Pride of Madison, FL; brothers: Gene Pride of Madison, FL, and John (Alesia) Pride and Michael A. Pride, both of Tallahassee, FL; special brother: Charles Simmons of Jasper, FL; nephew: Terrence Pride of Port St. Lucie, FL; nieces: Shaneika (Chad) Mitchell and Eugenia Pride, both of Madison, FL; great-nephews: Chalon Howard of Statesboro, GA, and Jakori Washington of Madison, FL; great-niece: Shaniyah Livingston of Madison, FL; and many other sorrowing relatives and loving friends.