| Graduation Year | Class of 2009 |
| Date of Birth | Sep 26, 1990 |
| Date of Passing | Aug 10, 2024 |
| About | James Daniel Fox, 33, a resident of DeFuniak Springs, passed away unexpectedly on August 10, 2024 when he lost control of his race car #29 and crashed into the Southern Raceway fence wall at high speed. The impact was severe, and despite the best efforts of emergency responders and being airlifted by life flight, he succumbed to his injuries. A suspected cardiac episode may have contributed to this tragedy. The race was canceled after the accident occurred and Southern Raceway posted this: "Our hearts are absolutely broken. The Fox family and this racing community need your prayers. We love you James. You're racing in our hearts forever." James was born in Kansas City, Missouri on September 26, 1990. At the age of 11 his family moved to Navarre where he was raised in a community that grew to love him and he loved deeply. He was a 2009 graduate of Navarre High. James was a friendly guy who never met a stranger. He loved hunting, fishing, and watching his Kansas City Chiefs with friends. James' passion for racing began early, entering his first race at age 14, mentored by his uncle Rodney and cousin Mike Roland. This passion ran deep and he shared it with his son Dakota, who started racing at age 7, and with whom he had many moments burning up the track, as well as with stepson, Tyler Phelps, who was part of James' pit crew. James, was a seasoned racer, shown to have started 4 IMCA Modified races this season with a best of 5th. His son, Dakota, is also a regular IMCA Modified driver at Southern, with 2 top-5s and 8 top-10s in 2024. James is survived by his parents, Dan and Sherry Dotson Fox; son, Dakota Daniel Fox; stepson, Tyler Phelps (Destiny); fiancé, Elizabeth Ward; her children, Tyler, Keaton, and Kelsey Ward; and three grandchildren, Lucas, Brinn, and Skylar. James and Elizabeth were planning to be married in October 2024. He enjoyed his career as a Senior Project Manager for Paul Patrick Electric from 2020-2024, and they were also one of his racing sponsors. A "Celebration of Life" Memorial Service for James will be held Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 12:00 PM. This will be located at the Peritt Ponderosa, 8951 Fortune Rd, Milton, FL 32583. Brother Jim B., Southern Raceway Track Pastor, officiating. There will be a Racers Memorial Procession from Southern Raceway with roll time of 11am. All racers are invited to show their respect and drive their race cars from Southern Raceway to Peritt Ponderosa. Please arrive at Southern Raceway, 9359 Nichols Lake Road Milton, FL 32583, no later than 10:30am for instructions and line up. Rest in peace, James. Your untimely death has left a deep and grievous void in the racing community but your legacy will always be remembered as that of a talented racer, a dedicated competitor, an avid sportsman, a kind and generous soul, and a true champion both on and off the track. |
