Joel Margules

April 10, 1949 - August 20, 2024

Panama City, Florida - Joel Margules, 75, passed away on August 20, 2024. Born in Chicago, Illinois on April 10, 1949, to Albert Margules and Mildred Mash Margules. He graduated from Evanston Township High School in 1967. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri in 1971. He attended and graduated from John Marshall Law School in 1977 after serving in the Peace Corps.

In the early 80's, he practiced law with Legal Services in Illinois before transferring to Florida. This huge move left a host of friends scattered throughout the country. As he transitioned to private practice he focused on dependency and criminal law. For over a decade he served on the Board of Directors for Legal Services of NWFL. In 2000, the Florida Bar recognized Joel with the President's Pro Bono Service Award for community involvement and volunteer work. Joel's desire to become an attorney was to be able to help people who could not afford representation. In 2006, he joined the Florida Public Defender's Office where he would not only be able to help his clients but also be able to mentor and interact with the younger legal generation; they even taught him a thing or two! He retired in 2017.

He was an integral part of the community. He supported Legal Services of NWFL, Friends of the Library, Parker Fire Department, various homeless outreach programs, Relay for Life, and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to name a few. He was affiliated with Temple B'Nai Israel, Living Word of Faith, Highland Park Methodist Church, BBM The Filling Station, Right Way Ministries, and Eden Shores Ministries. Joel was raised in the Jewish faith, later adopting Christianity and identifying as a Messianic Jew who had accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

An avid reader, he was rarely seen without a book in his hand or a cigarette for that matter. He enjoyed collecting movies, making friends, sports statistics, scrabble, singing, dancing, and writing. A chance encounter would lead to lifelong marriage and friendship. He shared a love of music with his wife of 31 years. They enjoyed hosting music events and singing the night away with friends. Another love he shared with family and friends was visiting the casinos in Mississippi. He could be found at the craps table or sitting for hours at the slot machines. You should have seen his face light up when he hit a jackpot!

Joel left us all with that "hitting a jackpot" feeling. And, we know that we are the lucky ones for having known him. He will be remembered for his integrity, infectious smile, intelligent conversation, willingness to listen, spontaneous jokes, and humble kind heart. But, most of all he will be remembered for his crazy ties, suspenders, and goofy socks.

He is survived by his wife, Robin Mitchell Margules, daughter, Kristi Margules Gomez (Mark), Sister, Kim Susan Goldman (Joel), grandson, Marcus Gomez, fur grand-babies Skittles, Harley, Maggie, and various adoring cousins, family, and friends.

Joel was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Mildred Margules, and sister, Maureen Joy Margules.

The Memorial Service will be held on September 28, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Andrews Episcopal Church of Panama City, 1608 Baker Ct., Panama City, Florida 32401.

Celebration of Life social to follow in the Fellowship Hall at 11:30 a.m. A light luncheon will be served.

Go Green, Plants Please, or donate to your local library.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Herald from Aug. 28 to Sep. 1, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Joel Margules

4 Entries

Joel Summer

September 13, 2024

Joel was a good friend of mine in high school. In fact, if it wasn't for Joel, I would have been dead at an early age. A bunch of us drove to Long Lake, MN to go fishing. One afternoon, Joel and I decided to walk around the lake, a six-pack of Grain Belt Beer in hand. After being attacked by leeches, Joel and I decided to swim across the lake trying to get to an island in the middle of the lake to rest. The more we swam, the island didn't get any closer. The tide came in, I swallowed water, panicked and started to go under. Joel kept my head above water and yelled for help. Luckily, there was a guy in a boat fishing close by and he rescued us. If it wasn't for Joel, I would have surely drowned. Joel was one of the nicest, decent guys I have ever known. May he rest in peace and may his memory be a blessing.

Marla

September 3, 2024

Joel was a great man. I always enjoyed my conversations with him and know that he will be greatly missed.

Libby and Mark Lavine

September 1, 2024

Joel was a great friend to me in college and my husband had the opportunity of spending time with him in Michigan and on a visit we took to Florida. Joel will be missed by many. Libby and Mark Lavine

MeganFord

August 30, 2024

What a lovely and accurate obituary! Working on the other side of the courtroom (State Attorney's Office) with Joel was a real pleasure. He taught me as a young attorney, less about the law itself, but more about what it means to be a decent attorney and a decent human being. He always took time with his clients, never judged them, and did his best. That is exactly how the system is supposed to work. The world is better for having him in it.

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