James Pasco Love III

James Pasco Love, Ill, (Jim) 71, met God personally on Sunday, February 23, 2025. He is most certainly one of God's angels in heaven because he was one here on earth. We have lost a unique soul who unselfishly touched so many lives. Jim is the son of J.P. Love, Jr, and Jane Blue Love of Tallahassee who predeceased him. He was a native Floridian, having moved to Tallahassee in his teens where he attended Florida High. After graduating, Jim's carpentry skill eventually resulted in his own residential construction business. After climbing scaffolding and driving nails for over 17 years, he returned to FSU in 1990 to pursue his Elementary Education degree. He enjoyed attending classes where 99% of the students were women and he became quite popular among his classmates. He was immediately hired as a teacher at Havana Elementary and named Teacher of the Year in 1992. Jim then obtained his master's degree in library science and instructional technology and was selected to provide computer instruction to teachers in the Gadsden County school system. He went on to work with various Leon County schools, Maclay School, and Marianna. From 2014 until his retirement in 2020, Jim was the Media Specialist at Nims Middle School where he taught advanced computer science classes. Over the years, he was often recognized by prior students who would tell him how much they enjoyed having him as their teacher, mentor and role model. Honors bestowed included Best and Brightest 2017-2019; Who's Who Among Students in American Universities/Colleges, 1990; President, Florida Future Educators of America, 1990. Jim was a MENSA member and a Board member for the National Association of Educational Technology Specialists, and the Florida Council of Instructional Technology Leaders. After his retirement, he immensely enjoyed RV travel with his wife of 33 years, Rita, and their pets. Jim and Rita met in the 1970's, became close friends, and eventually created a truly unique love story. Jim was a driving force behind Rita's decision to open her own business in 1996, and it would not have happened without his carpentry skills, patience and insistence that she pursue her dream. Jim had a love for 60's music and attended many concerts to hear his favorites, The Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, The Band, and more. Jim also had a love of cats and dogs, especially yellow Labs, and was never without one or two. Jim lived just outside Havana, Florida, and is survived by Rita, his sisters Laura Love Andrews, Joy Love Hester (Wes), nieces Shanna Andrews Bailey (Chad and great niece, Kya Lee), Aren Andrews Rocafort (Jon and great-niece, Remi Love), and nephew Austin Hester (Madison and great nephew James Thomas). He was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Tom Andrews. Jim also had a great and beloved group of long-time friends and enjoyed a fun social life. His sharp wit and contagious sense of humor will never be forgotten. He always had a positive attitude, never complained about anything or spoke ill of anyone, and could build or repair just about anything. His kindness and offers of assistance extended to anyone who needed help. Jim was an Elder and Clerk of Session at First Presbyterian Church of Havana for over 17 years where a memorial service and reception will be held on Saturday, March 8 at noon. For out-of-town relatives and friends, the service will be viewable on Facebook Live. In lieu of flowers, Jim prefers you donate to his church, if you wish. Abundant thanks to Big Bend Hospice for all their kind and constant assistance. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Dayne Parker of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the Love family with their arrangements.

Tributes

James Pasco Love III

August 7, 1953 - February 23, 2025