About Us

James P. Byrne

Funeral Director, Owner/Operator of Countryside Funeral Home

Jim has served in the funeral profession for 44 years.  Formerly with one of the oldest firms in Ocala for 13 years, he established a reputation for his genuine compassion in assisting families.  

The funeral home is family operated by Jim and children, Jimmy (Stephanie) and Kelsey (Jonathan).  Their children grew up in Marion County, attending Blessed Trinity and Trinity Catholic. The Byrne's have been Marion County residents since 1993.

Kelsey Bea (Byrne) Jackson & Jonathan Steele Jackson

Funeral Director & Embalmer / Associate

Having lived in Ocala nearly all my life, I attended Blessed Trinity Elementary and Middle School before graduating from Trinity Catholic High School in 2010. It was during that time my father left Hiers Funeral Home after the company sold and became corporate to start his own firm, in efforts to bring affordable and passionate care back to the community. I worked with my father during my first year of college before moving to Tallahassee to earn my general education associates degree. I found myself missing working along side my family and the wonderful families we had the privilege to serve. Before going to mortuary school I met my husband who lived in Fort Lauderdale. We decided to move too Ocala to start a life together. We now have two young daughters, Isla Bea and Winnie Mae. 

Steele was born in Plantation, FL. He worked as a Firefighter/Paramedic for nearly 10 years for both Alachua and Marion County Fire Rescue. He graduated from Broward College as a Paramedic and Coral Springs Fire acadamy. He helps in all facets of the company from operating the crematory, being on call to take people into our care and working funerals. He is beginning the process to become a Funeral Director as well. 

In our spare time we enjoy day trips to Ormond Beach with our daughters or traveling to foreign countries to experience all the beautiful cultures our world has to offer. 

David Clements

Licensed Funeral Director

David is a licensed funeral director and embalmer. He has served the citizens of Marion County for over 50 years. He was born in Ocala and raised in the Anthony Community, and is a third generation Ocalan.  He graduated from Ocala High School, CFCC, and Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science with honors.  

David is a member of Unity Baptist Church of Anthony, where he serves as a deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and choir member.  He enjoys fishing, hunting, woodworking, gardening, farming, and any Florida Gator Sports.  

He is married to the former Laura Browning, who is also an Ocala native.  They have two wonderful children, Rev. Samuel W. Clements (Kellie) and Deanna Lynn Lindsey (Charles), both of Ocala, and 3 grandchildren, Kyle Clements (Catie), Allyson Grace Clements and Jada Olivia Lindsey. “It has been an honor and priviledge to be in a position to help many families in their time of need. I thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for placing me in this profession.”