John Randall Pridgen

1942 - 2017

PRIDGEN John Randall Pridgen, age 74, died March 10, 2017. Born in Jacksonville on August 21, 1942, he was the son of Colyar Puett (C.P.) Pridgen and Ruth Johnson Pridgen. After graduating from Florida State University School of Business in 1964, he spent six months' active duty in the Army Reserve. The same year, he joined James and Harris CPA as a staff accountant. In 1969, he earned certification through the State of Florida, Board of Accountancy, and became a partner in the firm. He was a member of the Florida and American Institutes of Certified Public Accountants. In 2008, he and Charles Bone, his longtime partner and best friend, sold the practice. He continued to work part-time at the newly named James and Harris C.P.A.s, P.A. with the new owner, Tim Howard, C.P.A. In 2015, he celebrated his 50th tax season. The consummate professional, he loved his work and practiced until his death, something he often said he would do. He was a gentleman, a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. John was predeceased by a daughter, Laura Gilbert. He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Nancy; daughters, Melissa Pridgen and Janet Bronner (Neil); granddaughters, Amber Babcock, Caitlyn Babcock, Bailey Bronner, and Spencer Bronner; grandsons, Zack Groff, Max Gilbert, and Lance Hoffman; great-grandson, Grayson Wolf; sister, Ruth Pridgen; and his brother Gary Pridgen (Ann). He loved his family and friends and was always willing to lend a helping hand. In his time away from the office, John's favorite pastime was boating. In the first year of their marriage, he and Nancy chose between installing a swimming pool at their first home or buying a boat. They chose the latter, bought a house on Black Creek and lived there for the twenty-eight years. Like most boaters, they upgraded until they acquired a craft large enough to be a comfortable home away from home. From that time forward, summer vacations were spent up and down the Intracoastal from Charleston to the keys, Okeechobee to the Gulf, and east to their favorite destination, the Bahamas. When they were not out on the water, they simply enjoyed being at home. A memorial service will be held March 22, 2017 at 11:00 am at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 1100 Stockton Street, Jacksonville, Florida, with The Reverend Jeff Reichmann officiating. A reception will follow in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in John's memory to the American Lung Association. Arrangements are under the direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME, 1701 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, FL. (249-2374.) www.hardage-giddensbeacheschapel.com