James William “Bill” Godwin, 83, a lifelong Pensacola resident, died peacefully on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at his sun-filled North Hill residence with loved ones at his side and his classical music playing.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara “Bobbi” Godwin, his partner in wit and warmth for nearly 40 years. They shared a curiosity and appreciation about the world which led them on their many travels; but above all, they laughed together every day.
He had a wide circle of devoted friends, each of whom shared in the laughter and depth of intelligence that defined his character. Known for his sharp sense of humor and discerning observations, he had a gift for bestowing sardonic nicknames that became enduring tokens of affection.
Bill was conscientious and at times, poetic. He was generous and refined, as well as considerate and kind; a retainer of facts and information, a consummate conversationalist on nearly any subject and occasionally a grammar snob. He had a gift for seeing beauty, learning everything he could about what he loved and surrounded himself with it all- whether that be a finely made suit, a piece of artwork, a seasonal display of tulips, a peaceful oasis for the birds or the people he held dear. He and Bobbi traveled extensively handpicking treasures for their home. A particular point of pride was his richly appointed library lined with over 1,000 books, photos of loved ones, and works of art.
In 1960 Bill graduated from Pensacola High School and went on to attend Pensacola Junior College and University of Florida. He paused his education to serve a two-year stint as a U.S. Army paratrooper with the 173rd Airborne Brigade during the Vietnam War. He then attended the University of West Florida, graduating with a degree in Business Management.
In the 1970’s, the late J.D. and Vauda Godwin, along with their 3 sons, developed Soundside and created the Soundside Nature Preserve in Gulf Breeze. This nearly 50-acre idyllic haven features a half mile of sound front, camellia gardens, lakes and a bird sanctuary with walking paths. The Godwin family also developed the River Gardens neighborhood off Scenic Highway, which is known for its creative preservation and winding tree-lined roads.
In addition to Soundside and River Gardens, Bill developed Soundside Storage on U.S. 98 in Gulf Breeze in the early 2000s and remained its sole proprietor until 2022.
Besides his wife, Bill is survived by his brother, Richard; nieces, Sarah, Kimberly, and Emma; numerous cousins in Northwest Florida; brother-in-law, David and his wife Sandy; his niece, Deandra; and nephews, Chase, Christopher, and Joseph; Russell Lamotte and Marlow White, whom he held close as family; and his beloved dog, Red-Eyed Margaret.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his infant sisters, June and Penelope; his sister, Anne; his brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Maureen, and their son, Daniel.
A gathering of family and friends to celebrate Bill’s life will take place from 3:00pm to 5:00pm on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at the Godwin residence. All who loved him are invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to any of the following organizations: Dan Godwin Community Center, 2602 McLeod Rd., Bellingham, WA 98225, Soundside Nature Preserve, 711 W. Garden St., Pensacola, FL 32502 or Pensacola Opera, 75 S. Tarragona St., Pensacola, FL 32502.
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