James “Jim” Patrick Sargeant
Born on March 7, 1959 in Defiance, OhioPassed on December 28, 2025 in Melbourne, Florida
James “Jim” Patrick Sargeant, age 66, passed away on December 28, 2025, surrounded by love. He was born on March 7, 1959, in Defiance, Ohio. Jim was a remarkable husband, father, Papa, brother, and friend.
Jim proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Master Sergeant after more than 20 years of dedicated service. He enlisted on July 7, 1977, and retired on February 28, 1998. During his military career, Jim served as a surgical technician, a role that reflected his steady hands, calm presence, and deep commitment to helping others in their most vulnerable moments. It was also during his service, while stationed at Patrick Air Force Base in Florida, that Jim met the love of his life, Crystal, who was also serving in the Air Force, beginning a partnership that would grow into a 43-year marriage rooted in love, service, and devotion.
Following his military service, Jim continued his commitment to public service as a police officer with the Melbourne Police Department, where he faithfully served for 14 years, from January 14, 1998, to June 22, 2012.
Jim had a lifelong passion for collecting vintage cameras, which later grew into a love for antiquing. During his retirement, he turned this passion into his own business buying and selling antiques. Jim firmly believed that every item had a story to tell. He spent countless hours researching the history behind the antiques he found, and if an item included an individual’s name, he would often track down that person’s family to see if they wished to have it returned before offering it for sale. His sentimentality, integrity, and genuine kindness were evident in everything he did.
One of Jim’s greatest joys in life was helping others. His favorite time of year was Christmas, and he made it his personal mission to fill every Toys for Tots donation box within his reach. His generosity and selflessness left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.
Jim was a proud member of the American Legion, an organization he deeply valued and supported.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Crystal Sargeant; daughters, Sara Sargeant, Lindsay (Alan) Derr; son, James (Angela) Sargeant; grandchildren, Caleb Sargeant and Avery Derr; step-mother, Donnabell Sargeant, sisters, Victoria (Stephen) Hall, Laura (Todd) Wilson, and Denise Moore; brothers, Steve (Vivienne) Sargeant, David (Jane) Sargeant, Sean (Samantha) Sargeant, Neal (Heather) Sargeant, Matthew Rittenhouse, and Mark (Wendy) Rittenhouse; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
James “Jim” Patrick Sargeant will be remembered for his service, compassion, patriotism, curiosity, and unwavering belief in honoring the stories of both people and the past. His legacy of kindness, generosity, and devotion to others, especially his family, will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
His celebration of life will be held at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, January 14, at Brownlie-Maxwell Funeral Home, 1010 Palmetto Avenue, Melbourne, Florida 32901. A burial ceremony with United States Air Force honors will take place at 11:00 am on Thursday, January 15, at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 U.S. Highway 1, Mims, Florida 32754.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made in Jim’s memory to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or to a veterans’ charity of the donor’s choice:
