ORMOND BEACH, Fla. — A Central Florida family has received a gift of a lifetime.

They received a box, and inside, a flag and memorial card honoring 17-year-old James Magill. 

He died while serving during the battle of Leyte Gulf in the Philippines more than 80 years ago. 

What You Need To Know

  • Goodwill Industries of Central Florida reunited pieces of World War II history to naval service member's family

  • The family received a box, and inside, a flag and memorial card honoring 17-year-old James McGill

  • The box was found last year at Goodwill’s Taft outlet

Now his family shares what it means to them to have James home.

Carol Magill Woodard remembers her brother the best way she can. 

“I remember one incident. He had his uniform on and my father and him were crossing the street and he would swing, the both of them would swing me across the street,” Woodard said. 

When word spread of his passing, times were tough.

“My father was so devastated and everything. From that day on, he went to church every single day before he would go to work. Can you imagine how young they were and everything? It would never happen in this day and time,” Woodard said. 

That’s why Goodwill Industries of Central Florida wanted to give the box back to the family after it was found last year at Goodwill’s Taft outlet.

“You know, being able to do this for that family — that makes my life work. It’s an honor to do that,” Jeff Biles, Territory Loss Prevention and Safety Manager for Goodwill Industries of Central Florida said. “If you notice on the outside of the box, it said the war department, the original box it was shipped in 1944. When you look inside, there’s a small card with a photograph on it and it named the soldier.”

The stars aligned to get the box in the family’s hands.

“Not only did we find the family, but since then, they’ve moved from Pawtucket down to Ormond Beach, Florida. They’re right down the road,” Biles said. 

As for the veteran who found the box itself, the day brings not only a sense of pride but also joy.

“I’m speechless on how I say I feel about the whole thing, it’s wonderful,” Gary Hughes, Supply Chain Manager for Goodwill Industries of Central Florida said. 

Those feelings resonate with the family. 

“I’m as happy as I can be. When Jeff called me and everything I was thrilled to death, I couldn’t believe it,” Woodard said. 

James Magill is buried in the Philippines. 

View photos of a ceremony that took place at Volusia Memorial Park: