Judge Jere Tolton

Dear Tim, I just wanted you to know that I thought your Dad was one of the finest men I ever had the pleasure of knowing. I saw a reflection of him in you when you were my student. My prayers are with you and your family.
Jean Myrick

It is with great sadness that I say good bye to another fine judge who I had the privilege of appearing before many times when I started my legal career in Ft. Walton Beach. I have been away from Ft.Walton for many years but the sadness I felt on hearing of Judge Tolton's passing so soon after Okaloosa County lost Judge Barron compelled me to remember fondly the years I spent practicing law in front of these fine judges. Judge Tolton, rest in peace.

My wife and I were fortunate to have Jere and Norma (his late first wife) as our best friends at law school at Washington and Lee. When Jere retired as Circuit Judge, I joined him in attending school to become a certified mediator. During that two week period, Jere and his lovely wife, Shari, visited with Dee and me and we had such a good time reviewing all of the fantastic fun we shared those many years ago. We will never forget (and I look at that picture as I write) the day that Jere...

What a man...what a wonderful, kind, gentle-man...I was fortunate enough to begin my legal career practicing in front of him 7+ years ago. He quickly became one of my mentors, and later, my friend. I will miss him dearly, but I have numerous Judge Tolton stories to keep me smiling for a long time. Shari, please know how much your husband was loved and respected by all who knew him....and please let me know if I can help you through this difficult time. I know we have met and spoken...

Jere and I went to kindergarten through 12th grade together! He was always a wonderful and kind friend, also a great sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and the family. So glad I could meet Sheri at the renuion in June 08. Mona L. Alexander

Judge Tolton is missed...I had the distinct pleasure to work for him while he was on the bench. He affectionately called me "Claude" so his sports cronies would not know I was a woman. He shared stories about his collection of typewriters.

His son Tim and my daughter, Amy went to school together - from Kenwood until graduation from Choctawhatchee High School.

He left behind a legacy of wonderful memories. My prayers and thoughts are with his wife and family.

We have never met anyone who was as pleasant and kind as Jere. We will really miss him and our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very sad time.

With deepest regrets, from a former classmate.

I had the great honor of working with Jere as a member of the Florida Supreme Court's Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee f/k/a the Committee on the Standards of Conduct Governing Judges. He was and will always remain in my memory as an intelligent level-headed thinker. No one cared more about the quality of Florida's judicial system. To call him a tremendous asset to the bench undermines and understates his real worth to the judiciary. Jere Tolton was stellar - one of a kind. He will be...