James Bryant Winn

JAMES “Jim” BRYANT WINN, age 84 passed away Sunday, July 2, 2023 at his residence in Hawthorne, Florida.

Jim was born in Winterville, Georgia on February 19, 1939, to Compton and Chlora Winn. At age 4, the family moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where he graduated from Paxon High School in 1957 and Jacksonville University in 1963. He played baseball starting with midget league, American Legion teams, Paxon Eagles and JU Dolphins. He served as the JU Student Government President.

In 1963 he joined the US Army and served for 4 years. He served with the Florida Army National Guard, 101st Airborne Division and completed 68 parachute jumps. He achieved the rank of major and served in the 3/20 Special Forces. He established a physical fitness program for the Florida guard. The team competed in the National Guard Marathon in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1984. He received many awards and commendations during his 22-year National Guard career. He retired from the Florida Army National Guard in 1985.

During his professional career, Jim worked with numerous insurance companies in management and sales. He represented Florida Farm Bureau, Bankers Life & Casualty and AFLC. After he retired from insurance sales, he attained a certificate in education from Valdosta State University. He received his Georgia Teacher’s Certificate and taught at Lowndes High School for several years. He was also taught GED classes with Valdosta Technical College.

Jim was an avid runner and completed 9 marathons. He enjoyed cycling and rode the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail for many years and rode the Horse Farm Hundred several times with Team Vet Med. He learned photography so he could photograph scenes for his watercolor paintings. He played the guitar for many years and had an extensive catalog of songs.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Jo Ann McDowell Winn, three children, Stephanie (Michael) Zoller, Andrea (Michael) Lawrence and Jimmy Winn, Jr. Three grandchildren, Austin (Jordan) Tabler, Adam Tabler, and Bryant Zoller, and the first great-granddaughter, Parker Le Tabler. Survivors also include his brother Bobby (Louise) Winn, numerous nieces and nephews, and the mother of his children, Claudia McCully.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Jeannette (Jack) McCullough and brother, William Myles Winn.

Donations can be made to Jacksonville University Athletics through Jacksonville University · GiveCampus.