James "Jim" Maruniak
1950 - 2019
James "Jim" Maruniak
1950 - 2019
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1950
DIED
2019
James Maruniak Obituary
DR. JAMES 'JIM'
Dr. James 'Jim' Maruniak, passed on Monday, October 14th, at home surrounded by his family. He is survived by Ale, his loving wife of 24 years, daughter Alina, son Alex and siblings, John Jr., Carole, Joel (Carole), Dan (Donna), and Nick.
Jim was born in Tampa, FL on February 19, 1950. He was the fourth child of John and Christine (Holley) Maruniak. After growing up in Florida and North Dakota, he graduated from Florida State University with a B.S. in Biology and an M.S. in Biochemical Genetics. He received his PhD from the University of Texas at Austin in Invertebrate Virology and did a postdoctoral fellowship at Yale University in Molecular Virology, before coming back to his home state of Florida.
Jim was a faculty member of the Department of Entomology & Nematology at the University of Florida for 36 years where he did research in insect virology and taught several courses. He was a beloved mentor to numerous students, member of the TKE fraternity, advisor for the UF Virology Club, and a passionate lifetime educator. His 'open door' policy did not stop at his lab but continued into his everyday life, where he shared his enthusiasm of viruses and vaccines with all.
Visitation will be at Forest Meadows Memorial Park, 4100 NW 39th Avenue on Friday October 18th from 2:30-3:30pm followed by a Celebration of Life. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to UF Health Cancer Center at
https://www.uff.ufl.edu/give-now/?fund_id=000737.
Arrangements are under the care of Forest Meadows Funeral Home, 725 NW 23rd Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32609. 352-378-2528.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Tim Fleming
November 21, 2019
Super smart, funny and fun, kind, generous, scientist, friend and frater, athlete, missed. See you on the other side.
José Navarrete
November 17, 2019
Rest in peace Dr. Maruniak, you were a great scientist.
Johannes Jehle
October 18, 2019
Dear Ale,
I feel so sorry to hear about Jims passing. I would like to offer you and your family my deep and sincere condolences. I have met Jim the first time in 1992 at SIP in Heidelberg, and since then we often met on the annual meetings to which he contributed with his research, his wit and his fine humour.
As it was yesterday, I still remember my visit in Gainesville, more than 20 years ago, when he hosted me to give a seminar and showed me around at the University and we had a wonderful lunch together with him, you and some colleagues. He was a great scientist and wonderful mentor of many students and fellow researchers. He will remain forever in our memory!
My sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Johannes Jehle, Germany
October 16, 2019
Hi Ale this is Karen i was a custodian at the entomology building back in 2005-2013 just want you to know that my prayers are with you/the family be blessed in Jesus name.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Ginger Clark
October 16, 2019
Ale, I'm so sorry for your loss. Wishing you peace and grace as you make your way through your grief.
Ginger
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
725 NW 23rd Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32609
Make a Donation
in James Maruniak's name
How to support James's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor James Maruniak's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
