James L. Jimmy Everett

James (Jimmy) Everett, 57, of Tallahassee, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on September 15, 2011, after a valiant fight against ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig's disease).

He leaves behind his loving wife, Sondra Everett; son, Tyler Everett; stepchildren, Jared and Jesslyn Joyner; mother Virginia Everett; two sisters, Geni Everett, Nancy Everett Boettcher (Steve) of Stone Mountain GA; two brothers, John Everett (Peggy) of Jackson, GA, Randy Everett (Barbie); nephews and nieces, Brent, Lauren and Haley Everett, Brittany (Collin) Brown, and Nicholas Maxwell.

He was predeceased by his father, Pete Everett; and niece, Jennifer Brown.

Jimmy was born March 21, 1954 in Boone, North Carolina and grew up in Tallahassee, attending school at Ruediger, Raa JHS, and Godby HS. At Godby he played football and basketball, graduating in 1972. Jimmy received a football scholarship to FSU and was a four year Letterman for the Seminoles. After his graduation in 1976, his first job as a high school teacher and coach was at Lakeland HS (1976-77) but he came back to Tallahassee when Coach Gene Cox convinced him to return to teach and coach at Leon High (1977-1986). Later he moved to cross-town rival Lincoln High, where, during his 25 year tenure (1986-2011), he taught, coached football, golf, weightlifting and track, served as athletic director and later Assistant Principal. Jimmy continued his education at FSU, earning his master's degree, and in 1988 his Education Specialist degree in Administration. Jimmy was a member of Phi Epsilon Kappa, was humbled to have the track at Lincoln High School named in his honor and was inducted into the Godby High School Hall of Fame.

Jimmy was loved, admired and respected by all who knew him and worked with him. His students and team players were friends for life. He loved riding his motorcycle with his "Peckerheads" motorcycle group on their trips to scenic places. Jimmy stayed in close touch with his former teammates and friends at FSU. He was passionate about landscaping and working on his homestead where he entertained athletes, friends and family. Camaraderie around a bonfire was a trademark of many such gatherings. Jimmy also enjoyed FSU football and baseball games, especially watching son Tyler on the mound playing for FSU. He was one of the "good guys" and will be missed.

The family wishes to thank the nurses of Big Bend Hospice for their loving care of Jimmy, especially during his last week; and all of Jimmy's extended family of friends, students, athletes, parents as well as the community for their constant support and prayers for the past 2½ years. In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Jimmy Everett may be made to Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32308 or The ALS Association Florida Chapter, 3242 Parkside Center Circle, Tampa, FL 33619 or the Calvary Chapel Building Fund, 8614 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32309.

The family will receive friends Sunday, September 18, 2011 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Calvary Chapel, 8614 Mahan Drive in Tallahassee. A Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00 PM, Monday, September 19, 2011 at the Bradfordville First Baptist Church, 6494 Thomasville Road in Tallahassee.

Arrangements are under the direction of Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home in Tallahassee, Florida.