Palmer Scarborough Midgett Jr

Palmer S. Midgett Jr., 86, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2026. Born on January 15, 1940, in Norfolk, Virginia, he was the son of Palmer S. Midgett and Wilma Midgett. He grew up alongside his siblings, Claude and Claudette, splitting his childhood between the Outer Banks, North Carolina, and Jacksonville Beach, Florida.

Palmer graduated from Fletcher High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in 1963. He dedicated his life to the care of chimpanzees, providing love, attention, and advocacy for these remarkable animals. His career took him to numerous universities, including Tulane, Stanford, Georgia State, and the University of Texas, as well as Africa for an unforgettable six week trip supporting Jane Goodall in her studies of chimpanzees.

Upon retiring in 2006, Palmer made Jacksonville his home. He was an active and valued member of the Ancient City and Greater Jacksonville Coin Clubs. Known for his thoughtful nature and caring heart, Palmer will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Palmer is survived by his nephews and nieces: George (Billy) Huntley Jr., Alan Huntley, Suzanne Midgett, Christy Thomas, and Nancy Zepeda. He knows Jesus as his Savior, and his loved ones look forward to reuniting with him one day.

Friends and family are invited to contact Palmer’s family for information about his services.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to SavetheChimp.org/donatenow.