Jim Pearthree

On November 30th, Jim Pearthree (1956-2003) took one final leap into the unknown when he lost a valiant battle with melanoma, the most deadly of skin cancers. A former paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army, Jim spent a lifetime jumping into greater and greater challenges.

Born in Havre de Grace, Md on July 23, 1956, James Stephen Pearthree spent his early school years in Maryland and Delaware. A 1974 graduate of Dover High School, Dover, Delaware, Jim leapt south landing at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. He quickly accepted the challenges of academic life complimented by running for, and being elected President of the Student Government in 1980.

Upon graduating with a B.S. in Business, Jim chose to serve his country as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army at Fayetteville, North Carolina. Always a risk taker, Jim spent 4 years ejecting his 64" frame from the sky before joining the Florida Army National Guard. He retired from the Guard as a Major this past summer.

Following his active duty military service, Jim returned to Florida where he clerked for Rakusin and Ivy while pursuing a law degree at the University of Florida in Gainesville. At the University of Florida, he was a member of the trial team and the Chester Bedell Inns of Court.

With his law degree completed, Jim joined the Public Defenders office in Jacksonville until being tapped to join United States Representative Charles E. Bennetts staff in Washington, D.C. As Administrative Assistant, he was the principal aide to the Vice-Chair of the House Armed Services Committee. In Washington, Jim served as Director of the House Legislative Assistants Association and as director of the House Administrative Assistants Association. With Charlie Bennetts retirement, Jim used his congressional experience to jump into establishing the Washington office of United States Representative Marjorie Margolies - Mezvinsky.

Never one for standing still, Jim jumped at the opportunity to return to Jacksonville with his family to leap into one more challenge, opening his private law firm. Jims love of his Family Law practice was only exceeded by his love of his children and he continued dictating arguments until his voice was silenced on Sunday.

He is survived by his children: Adam F. Pearthree, Alexis E. (Lexi) Pearthree and James H. (Jake) of Jacksonville); by his father, Francis L. Pearthree of Jacksonville; his sisters: Beth A. Albertson (Ed) of Cincinnati, Ohio, Francey L. Pearthree of Panama City, Kathleen L. Pearthree of Jacksonville, and Jeanne E. Wilson (Steve) of Brandon, Florida, his brother Herbert D. Pearthree (Patty); 10 nieces and nephews and 7 great -nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Rowe Williams. A Memorial Service was held at 2:00 on Friday Dec. 5th at Southside United Methodist Church in Jacksonville on Hendricks Avenue. Nearly 700 friends and family attended.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Melanoma Research Foundation. 23704-5 El Toro Rd #206. Lake Forest, CA 92630.

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Published in the Florida Times-Union on 12/3/2003.