Jeffrey Richard Garvin

Jeffrey Richard Garvin passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026, at the age of 77.
 
Born to parents John Russell Garvin, Jr. and Virginia Henrietta Sherman on September 30, 1948, in Lakewood, New Jersey, when he was 6 years old, he and his family moved to Longboat Key, Florida, ultimately graduating from Manatee County High School in 1966. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts from Western Carolina University and his Juris Doctor from the University of Florida College of Law. True to his nature, what started as a simple dare to take the LSAT turned into a remarkable legal career that spanned more than five decades.
 
Jeffrey was a Board-Certified Civil Trial Lawyer who dedicated more than 50 years to helping others through some of life’s most difficult moments. He was widely respected for his work and recognized by his peers as one of the best in his field. Throughout his career, he focused on serious injury, wrongful death and medical malpractice cases; handling complex and high-stakes matters while achieving multiple multi-million-dollar verdicts. He held an AV Preeminent® peer review rating from the Martindale-Hubbell group, their highest possible rating, and was consistently recognized in Best Lawyers in America. He was blessed with the opportunity to practice law alongside his son, Leland, passing on his knowledge and creating a multi-generational impact in the legal field.
 
Jeff was deeply committed to his community and profession, serving as Past President of the Edison Community College Endowment Corporation and Past President of the Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Trust Fund. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers, chairing numerous committees and contributing his leadership and expertise to the advancement of the legal profession. He was a past president of the Florida Chapters of the American Board of Trial Advocates and a member of the Calusa Inns of Court. Throughout his career He published numerous articles and was a co-author of Trial Advocacy: The Official Handbook of the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers.
 
Outside of his career, “Jeffy” as he became fondly referred to by his grandchildren, had a deep love for adventure and the outdoors, that he shared with his “co-pilot” and wife, Sue. He became a pilot in 1975 and held single-engine, multi-engine, and instrument ratings. He enjoyed snow skiing, mountain biking, boating, fishing, and lobstering. He could often be found in the garage rebuilding boats, engines or restoring something; he remained determined to make what was rusting or broken shine again.
 
As a lifelong learner and communicator, Jeff taught himself Spanish as well as French. He loved storytelling and sharing his knowledge and experiences, especially from his adventures around the world. Never one to slow down, even in “retirement”, he stayed active and continued giving back, with his Rotary Club or volunteering at his daughter’s school, working with kindergarten students to help build a bridge between Spanish and English.
 
He is survived by his devoted wife, Susan; his son, Leland, (grandchildren Levi and Henry); his daughter, Daryl, (grandchildren Kenley and Dylan); and his sister, Patty.