James Fremont Wacksman's Obituary
James Fremont Wacksman, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on October 29th, one day before his 82nd birthday, after a long battle with illness. Jim was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.
Born on October 30, 1942, in Fort Pierce, Florida, Jim was a man of great spirit and determination. His entrepreneurial drive showed early, as he organized rock 'n' roll concerts and took on various ventures in the 1960s to support his college education. Jim attended the University of Florida, where he was involved in school politics, the celebrated Gator Growl, and campus fraternities, including one he founded, Tappa Kega Lager (which became Tau Kappa Lambda at the college's insistence). In 1967, Jim met Catherine in their Gainesville apartment complex, and they married in 1970. Following graduation, Jim began his career in human resources at UF.
In 1973, Jim took a position with the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitation Services, which led him and Cathy to settle in Tallahassee. Jim’s entrepreneurial spirit remained alive, however, and in 1980, he co-founded Adventures in Travel, a travel agency that became his life's work. Jim devoted himself to his business, growing it to twenty employees who were like family to him and Cathy.
Jim’s greatest joy was his family. He dedicated his time and love to Cathy and their children, Jimmy, Georgiana, and Katy, and delighted in his role as a grandfather. He was a constant presence at his children’s soccer games, band concerts, and countless family gatherings. Jim leaves behind Cathy, his devoted wife of 54 years; his children, Jimmy (Jaimi), Georgiana (Greg), and Katy (David); his grandchildren, Evelyn, Kennedy, Emma, James, Talia, and Pippa; and his brother Richard (Paulina). He was predeceased by his parents, Isadore and Edith. May Jim’s memory be a blessing, and may his family find comfort in the love and legacy he left behind.
A graveside funeral service honoring Jim will be held at MeadowWood Memorial Park, 700 Timberlane Road, Tallahassee, Florida at 12:00 PM on Friday, November 1, 2024. A reception and meal of condolence will immediately follow at Temple Israel, 2215 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee, Florida. Tholley Taylor of Lifesong (850/765-3190 or lifesongfunerals.com) is assisting the Wacksman family with their arrangements.
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