James Edward Philman

J. Edward Philman, 71, of Bell Florida, passed away May 17, 2017 at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida, with his wife and children at his side. He had been in declining health for some time.

Ed was born on May 29, 1945 to the late Johnnie and Synthie Philman, in Bell, Florida. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jeanne: four children, Joyce, Kendra (Sammie), Lynn and Audrey; and his grandchildren, Daylin, Alexis, Annika, and Graham.
He is also survived by a large and loving family:
Sisters: Pauline Sauls, Maxine (Bill) Cummings, Imogene McLeod, Gwen (Richard) Carmichael, Anne (Bill) Lawson, MevaLee Philman, Nell (Rusty) Yelvington
Brothers: Hayward Philman, Tommy (Karen) Philman, Lavon (Sylvia) Philman, and Billy (Renee) Philman.
He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and their children.

Ed graduated from Mercer University’s Law School with honors, University of Florida, Lake City Community College, Lake City Forest Ranger School and Bell High School.  He served in the U.S. Army as an infantryman in Vietnam.  He was the Gilchrist County Judge for 24 years, then served an additional 2 years as Senior Judge.  Most recently Ed was the Civil Traffic Hearing Officer in Alachua County for over 3 years.

Ed had been a member of the Trenton Rotary Club since 1981,  served as District Governor in 2012-2013, and was recognized as a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow.  He was the Director of Hospice of North Central Florida, and received the Hospice of the Tri-Counties Meritorious Service Certificate.  He served as Vice-President of the Conference of County Court Judges.  Ed was named Gilchrist County Citizen of the Year, and he received the Distinguished Service Award from the Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency.  He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Gainesville.

Ed was known as a man of great integrity, both on and off the bench. A man of honor who had a genuine regard for others. He will be remembered by his family and friends as someone who loved his community, believed strongly in service to others, and was known for his deep faith.  His family will miss his unwavering love, compassion, and dedication.

“Let my life and the work I have done speak for me.”   -Judge Ed Philman

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the CICU team at Shands, and Jonathan, the RN who helped his transition to Heaven be peaceful. Also, we truly appreciate Judge Jo Smith, Jo Buckles, Dr. Eloise Harman and Ashten Rush for being an important part of his life. There are many others whose friendship was valued by Ed in the court system, the Rotary Club, and the local, national and international communities.

  Those who wish to do so may honor Ed with donations to the Trenton Rotary Club to benefit the Rotary International Youth Exchange, a program which was dear to his heart.  Donations may be made at Ameris Bank, mailed to Trenton Rotary Club, PO Box 52, Trenton, FL 32693, or made on the website TrentonFloridaRotary.org.