Judge Jere Tolton Obituary

Retired Circuit Judge Jere Tolton died on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009.
Judge Tolton is survived by his wife, Shari Tolton; his children, William Jeremiah Tolton III of Tampa, Fla., Lizabeth Tolton Silk and her husband Jeremy Silk of Tampa, and Timothy Tyler Tolton of Atlanta; grandchildren, Nathan Andrew Silk and Liam Tyler Silk, and Shari's children, James R. McCurdy II, M.D. and wife Caren M. McCurdy of Colorado Springs, Colo., Mia McCurdy of Norman, Okla., and Marcy McCurdy Usry of Norman, and Shari's grandchildren, Morgan McCurdy, Jack McCurdy, Skye McCurdy, Benjamin McCurdy, Alexis Troxell, Jake Usry and Sam Usry. Judge Tolton is also survived by his sister, Margaretta Tolton Pickert; and brother-in-law, Aloysius Pickert of Pensacola, Fla.
Judge Tolton was preceded in death by his first wife, Norma Lee Brown Tolton; and his parents, William Jeremiah Tolton and Margaret Holder Tolton of Pensacola.
At the time of his retirement in 2007, Judge Tolton was the longest tenured judge in the history of Florida's First Judicial Circuit having served since his appointment in 1977. Prior to becoming a Circuit Judge, Judge Tolton served as a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 1972 to 1976. Judge Tolton enjoyed his tenure as a newspaper reporter including a stint at the predecessor to the Northwest Florida Daily News. One of his fondest dreams was to be able to publish his own newspaper in some rural area.
Judge Tolton had a well-deserved reputation for being one of the most ethical attorneys and judges in the State of Florida. His love of nature, golf and tennis brought much enjoyment to his life.
Judge Tolton will be missed not only by his family but many a wide circle of friends who always were the beneficiaries of his optimism and sense of fair play.
The memorial service for Judge Tolton will be Thursday, Jan. 29, at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church at Fort Walton Beach.
A time of visitation with the family will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, at Emerald Coast Funeral Home in Fort Walton Beach.
In lieu of flowers, the family would request that donations be made to Covenant Hospice or to a charity of choice.

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

Published by Ocala Star-Banner from Jan. 27 to Jan. 28, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Judge Jere Tolton

11 Entries

Jean Myrick

February 6, 2009

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

Randee Schatz

February 5, 2009

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.

Robert Bannon

February 4, 2009

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 presided over the swearing in of my daughter, Kolleen, as a new Florida lawyer. This past Christmas, I sent Jere and Shari a Washington and Lee Christmas card which prompted Jere to call me and tell me about his cancer and the surgery that was planned. We talked about taking a trip to New England next Spring to celebrate his anticipated recovery. The entire Bannon family sends their sincerest condolences to Shari and Jere's entire family. He was the finest of men, and he will be deeply mourned and missed by all who knew him.

Dee and Bob Bannon
Vero Beach, Florida

Wanda Clapp

January 30, 2009

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 several times, but I really got to know you through the judge...he spoke lovingly of you every time I saw him. Every woman should be loved the way the judge loved you.
Much love,

Mona Alexander

January 29, 2009

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

Claudia Finn

January 29, 2009

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.

Kan and Barbara Holliday

January 29, 2009

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.

Jimmie Charles Deomes

January 27, 2009

With deepest regrets, from a former classmate.

Scott Silverman

January 27, 2009

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 greatly missed.

Phyllis (Alexander) Tringas

January 27, 2009

I knew Jere from the fourth grade and have followed his career since. He was truly a gentlemen with a generous smile. May his memory be eternal.

Ann Wimberly

January 26, 2009

Jere Tolton was one of the finest gentlemen I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. He will be missed by so many. I don't think I ever saw him that he didn't have a smile on his face. My heart is with his family at this very difficult time.

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