James R. Dressler

1932 - 2018

James R. Dressler

Merritt Island - On November 17, 2018, loving spouse, father, and esteemed lawyer, James R. Dressler, passed away peacefully at home in Merritt Island, FL.

Born on September 18, 1932 in Millersburg, PA, Jim lived there until his parents moved the family to Greenville, SC and then to Jacksonville, FL where he graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1950. He then attended the University of Florida where he received his BA Degree in Political Science and History in 1953, then enrolling in U of F's College of Law, receiving his law degree on June 4, 1956.

He met his wife, Florence, in Jacksonville while she was attending nursing school, and they married in 1956 and that summer Jim began his law career in downtown Cocoa, FL, with the firm of Shephard and Dykes. He later formed the firm of "Dressler, Hosemann and Miller," and then "Dressler, Thoburn and Miller." Thereafter, he maintained a solo practice until his daughter, Donna, joined him in 1989 when she became an attorney.

Jim was one of the few lawyers who was truly a "lawyer's lawyer." One of the true "general practitioners", a great legal mind, a lawyer who could handle wide-ranging and diverse matters and clients.

Jim has served Brevard County in many ways. In 1960, he was appointed Judge of the Small Claims Court and was Chairman of the Advisory Committee for the creation of Brevard Junior College, thereafter serving as Chairman of the Board of the College, the college later known as "BCC" and n/k/a "Eastern Florida State College."

He was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1961. He served one term as a Member of the Florida House of Representatives and then ran for and was elected in 1963 as Senator for the 38th senatorial district. He served one term in the Florida Senate where he was one of the original sponsors of the bill to create Florida Technological University [n/k/a the University of Central Florida.)

Above all else, Jim Dressler was a family man. His family was his proudest possession and he gave selflessly to them. He is survived by his wife, Florence, and their five children: Donna, Terese, James Jr., Ronald, and Carol, and four grandchildren, Christopher, Darci, Jonathan and Michael. He was always there for his family, whenever needed. He touched many lives through his work, helping his clients in their times of need, through his legislative efforts and through his faith.

Jim's abiding faith in God guided him in his family, work and leisure life and he encouraged others to find the peace and hope that come from having faith in and a relationship with God. We know he is with the Lord now and is at peace, loving and remaining with all of us in our hearts and memories.

Services will be on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018, at 11:00 am at Divine Mercy Catholic Church on North Courtenay Parkway in Merritt Island, FL.