Larry Jeames, lovingly known as “Bubba” to his family, was born on January 4, 1952, in Eutaw, Alabama, to Mary J. Jeames Coleman. Larry was the second child born to the family and shared a special bond with his twin sister, Sadie Jeames Jackson, and his younger sister, Linda D. Jeames. As a child, Larry worked alongside his mother and sisters in the family fields, helping harvest more than 18 acres of cotton, corn, peas, and other crops. His first job was baling hay. Hoping to escape field work, he joined the school band at Carver High School, where he played the bass drum—a passion that later inspired his own children to play drums. He also cherished riding horses with his sister Linda; his horse was Fanny, while hers was Charlie. Larry remained especially close to his family throughout his life, including his beloved Uncle DoBelly and Uncle Frank.

Committed to lifelong learning, Larry attended Carver High School, Miles College (Fairfield, Alabama), Merced College, California State University, Metropolitan State College, and Columbia College. On March 4, 1995, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

Larry proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1974 to 1994. Stationed at Lowry Air Force Base in Colorado, he served during Desert Shield/Desert Storm and received numerous military honors, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with Four Oak Leaf Clusters, NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Training Ribbon, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal.

Larry was first married to Bettye Hardy, whom he met in high school. They were married on September 1, 1973, in Mantua, Alabama, and welcomed their daughter, Felisha Jeames Jones. He later married Christine Jeames in Colorado, where he lovingly raised Angel Velasquez, Michael Velasquez, and Christy Martinez as his own. He loved walking his little dog Todo.

Following his military retirement, Larry dedicated more than 30 years to the United States Postal Service as a Mail Handler and Equipment Operator. He took great pride in his work, was respected for his attention to detail, and built lifelong friendships with his postal family. He also volunteered to help organize retired postal employee luncheons and was always willing to lend a hand in making gatherings successful.

A lifelong member of Beulah Baptist Church, Larry’s faith in God was the foundation of his life. He faithfully listened to Sunday sermons and Christian programming, allowing his faith to guide his words, actions, and relationships.

Larry found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved spending time with family and friends, discovering new recipes on YouTube, and hunting for bargains at thrift stores. His famous color-coded thrift store strategy—carefully timing purchases for the biggest discounts—always brought a smile to those who knew him. He enjoyed pickleball, racquetball, softball, and especially serving as a softball umpire and basketball referee. Even while watching games from home, he couldn’t resist making the calls from his seat.

Sports were one of Larry’s greatest passions. He was a devoted Raiders and Alabama Crimson Tide fan (“Roll Tide!”), admired Stephen Curry, and remained a lifelong supporter of the Lakers and Kobe Bryant. Sports created countless memories with his family and friends.

Larry treasured the friendships he built throughout his life. Among those closest to him were Marvin, Raymond, Geter, Avis, Jeff, Fran, Nancy, Raul, Pat, Bob, Deb, and many others. Known to some as “LL,” Larry believed friendship was a two-way street and faithfully checked on those he loved. His familiar response, “Oh, OK!” became one of the many phrases family and friends will forever remember.

More than anything, Larry will be remembered for his infectious smile, quick sense of humor, unwavering kindness, and genuine love for people. He had an extraordinary gift for making everyone feel welcome, lifting spirits with laughter, and living each day with gratitude and positivity. To know Larry was to know a man of integrity, compassion, faith, and joy.

Preceded in death by his mother Mary J. Coleman, grandparents Jack and Willie D. Belton, Nelus and Judy Jeames, and his uncles and aunties Frank and Sarah Jeames, and Arthur and Bessie Jeames. Larry passed away peacefully on July 4, 2026, in the comfort of his home. He leaves to cherish his memory his sisters, Sadie Jeames Jackson and Linda D. Jeames; his nephew, Thaddeus Jackson; his niece, Dominique Murphy; his daughters, Felisha Jeames Jones, Angel Velasquez, and Christy Martinez; his son, Michael Velasquez; his grandchildren, Jamal Jones, Keiara Jones, Amelia Velasquez, and Colin Velasquez; his grandnephew, Isaiah Jackson; along with a host of extended family members and dear friends whose lives were forever enriched by his love and friendship.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making an honorable contribution to the Disabled Veterans National Foundation. More information listed below.