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James Bruton McCranie of Vero Beach, Florida passed away peacefully on May 4, 2026 at his home. He was 84 years old. Born April 25, 1942 in Lakeland, Florida “Jim” was the first born son to Julius Bruton McCranie and Melba Lippett McCranie.
Jim graduated from Lakeland High School and attended Florida Southern College before entering the army. He was stationed at Fort Gordon, Georgia serving as a Military Police. After his discharge from the army, Jim began his career in the citrus industry. He was employed by Seald Sweet Growers in 1967 where he spent over 41 years eventually advancing to vice president of export sales. In 1980, he moved his family from Brandon, Florida to Vero Beach to manage the Seald Sweet Indian River branch office. He played a key role pioneering the development of Seald Sweet’s export programs which provided Florida and Indian River Citrus to Asian and European markets. Jim was highly regarded as he passed along his knowledge and mentored younger generations entering the industry along the way.
Jim met his wife Gail while they were attending Lakeland Highschool. They were married for 60 years, had two children together, shared lifelong friends and later enjoyed a quiet life watching the wildlife around their home on the Indian River. Being a native Floridian, he enjoyed spending time on his boat, fishing trips to the Keys, Bahamas, relaxing at his cabin on the Kissimmee River, quail hunting and watching his grandchildren grow up. He was preceded in death by his wife Gail and brother Mike McCranie. Jim is survived by his children, Rick (Jenna) and Allison Barkett (Geoff); his two grandchildren, Matthew Barkett, Lauren Luethje (David); and one nephew, Brian McCranie.
Jim’s family will honor his life with a private celebration.
In honor of Jim’s life, memorial contributions can be made to VNA & Hospice Foundation (online at www.vnatc.com or mailed to 920 37th Place #101, Vero Beach, FL 32960) or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2026 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Douglas Feek - worked for Jim at Seald-Sweet
May 12, 2026, 11:11 pm
I worked with Jim at Seald-Sweet for about 5 years as a export salesman. Jim was a great boss, knowledgeable, personable and well-liked by everyone Jim came across. He will be missed!
Richard L. Miller - Co-Worker
May 14, 2026, 8:32 pm
I had the pleasure of working with Jim for 10 yrs at Seald Sweet. His dedication to Seald Sweet Members/Owners and Seald Sweet associates was truly amazing. Jim was also known for hiring, supporting, and training some of the best Salespeople in the Florida Citrus Industry Vero Beach area. I will miss Jim’s quick wit and sense of humor. God bless his Family.