Jeffrey James
November 27, 2016
Jeffrey James, 61, of Gainesville, Florida, died at NFRMC November 27th following cardiac arrest. Born in Belleville, Illinois to the late Godfrey and Annette James, Jeff grew up in Fort Walton Beach, Florida where he attended Choctawhatchee High School. After graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in architecture, he worked for Haile Plantation in the early stages of its development. He later worked for Alachua County as a plans examiner.
Jeff loved college football, particularly the Florida Gators, and hiking the Appalachian Trail. He was a past president of the Fightin’ Gator Touchdown Club, and designed the club’s original logo. Jeff was also a founding member of the Orange and Blue Ridge Trail Club. His favorite days included watching college football and golfing with his buddies. He loved to draw and designed Christmas cards for family and friends, with his version of mascots from the SEC. Jeff was well known for his easygoing manner and sense of humor. He had a big heart and generous nature, as evidenced by his final gift of organ donation.
Jeff is survived by his wife of 37 years, Debra; one brother, Richard (Karen) James of Winter Park; sister-in-law, Linda Harris of Gainesville; cousin Kathy (Joe) Schall of Tennessee; two nephews, Bradley (Jessica) James of Atlanta and Alan (Alexandra) Lawson of Gainesville; niece Katherine Harris of Gainesville; great-nephew Eli Lawson, two great-nieces, Claire Lawson and Madeline James; and numerous loving cousins and friends.
The family requests that expressions of sympathy be made in his memory in the form of a charitable contributions to Alachua County Animal Services, 3400 NE 53rd Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32609 or www.animalshelter.org/donate.asp; National Parks Conservation Association, 777 6th street, NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20001 or npca.org; or to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, 799 Washington Street, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 or http:/appalachiantrail.org/home/ways-to-give#tribute.
Crevasse's Simple Cremation is honored to serve the James family.
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Debra, we are so sorry for your loss. Jeff will be greatly missed. I met Jeff in the early 80’s in Haile Plantation where I was the painting contractor and he was the architect. We are also members of the Fightin Gator Touchdown club, and of course knew him from there. He was a good man and a friend. We will really miss him. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Eddie and Cynthia Grace
I was very fortunate to work with Jeff during my time at Alachua County. We shared many times in his office telling jokes and talking Gator football and the Appalachian trail. I always stopped by to visit when I came to U.F. or called. Will miss those days. My prayers to his wife Debra and family .
Dear Debbie, We send our love at this tremendous loss of beloved Jeff. I enjoyed our times spent with Jeff both at work and and play. what a wonderful man he was to be around . Chuck