Norah Joseph "N.J." Peet, Jr.

N.J. Peet Jr., known to many as Junior, Joe, or JR, was born on December 13, 1960, in Los Angeles, California, to Norah J. and Laura B. Peet. He was the youngest of three children. His sisters, Ann Mary (who predeceased him in 1958) and Jacqueline (who predeceased him in 2014), were beloved parts of his life. N.J. passed away peacefully on July 21, 2025, surrounded by his son and daughter. A Foundation Built on Learning N.J. had a deep passion for education and learning that began early in his childhood. His mother instilled in him the importance of reading and writing, teaching him that "if you could read the book, they couldn't take the instructions away from you." Though his mother took education seriously and eventually earned her Associate's degree, she emphasized its value throughout N.J.'s upbringing. His mother's dedication to his education was unwavering. Each Monday, N.J. would receive his spelling list, and by Wednesday, he had to present it to his mother with his belt in hand. For every word spelled correctly, he was fine; for every misspelled word, there were consequences. While such methods might be viewed differently today, this approach instilled in him a lifelong love of learning, made him a favorite among his teachers, and developed his natural proofreading abilities. A Life-Changing Summer When N.J. was eight years old, he experienced what he would later call "the greatest blessing of his life." His uncle Alvin Guillory and family were traveling from Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alabama to Loring Air Force Base in Maine, and N.J. joined them for a summer filled with first experiences. The journey took them to Washington, D.C., where they visited the White House. As they walked up to the building, they heard noise and looked to see Marine One landing. President Nixon stepped out and waved to everyone gathered there. At that moment, N.J. was convinced that the Air Force would provide him with such grandeur and opportunity. However, the trip also exposed him to the harsh realities of prejudice. At a restaurant in Biloxi, Mississippi, they were initially served water and given menus, but after whispered words from an older woman, the water was taken away. They were told that hamburgers were all that would be served to them. His uncle handled the situation with dignity, sending the children to the car while he stayed to address the matter. N.J. often wondered what was said during that conversation. Despite this difficult experience, N.J. was deeply impressed by the professionalism of Air Force security police at the various bases they visited. Their sharp appearance, perfectly molded hats, and exceptional bearing made them the "sharpest people he'd ever seen." By the time they reached California, N.J. had made his decision: he was going to be a policeman in the United States Air Force. Military Career and Family N.J. graduated from Merced High School in Merced, California, on June 11, 1978. Just weeks later, on July 28, he preached his first sermon, and on August 3, 1978, he reported for active duty at Lackland Air Force Base. His first assignment brought unexpected joy when he met his future wife. After a courtship that included a memorable dinner featuring pound cake with jelly from a jar as icing, they were quickly married and began enjoying Air Force life together. On September 14, 1980, their son Marcus was born in Bitburg, Germany, bringing great joy to their lives. Their next assignment took them to Alamogordo, New Mexico, where they spent 23 months and 23 days. The highlight of that tour was the birth of their beautiful daughter, Lori Nicole, on July 28, 1983. Their Air Force journey continued with assignments to Turkey, Las Vegas, Nevada (which they all loved), and Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines. When Mount Pinatubo erupted, forcing an evacuation, the Air Force asked where they'd like to go next. "Florida!" was their enthusiastic response, thinking northern Florida would have the fewest hurricanes. They moved to Niceville, Florida, where they spent several years. Both children graduated from Niceville High School during their time there. N.J. enjoyed eight fulfilling years working at Hurlburt Field Special Operations Headquarters. When offered a choice between assignments in Korea or Biloxi, Mississippi, the decision was easy, he had already been to Korea, and Biloxi would allow him to stay closer to Lori. N.J. retired from the Air Force on March 1, 2000, after a distinguished career. Civilian Career Following his military retirement, N.J. was fortunate to join the Florida Department of Transportation, which brought him to Tallahassee. He found great fulfillment in teaching classes throughout the state, spending 15 weeks a year on the road, learning as much as he taught. He particularly enjoyed those moments when working with students the instant when "the light bulb went off" and that student took the material home and thrived. After seven years, he moved to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, where he took on the great challenge of serving as Chief of Human Resources. Though demanding, it proved to be an enjoyable experience. Looking at his calendar and bank account, N.J. realized he needed to continue earning. When he saw an advertisement for a car dealership offering paid training, all the "bells and whistles went off", they would pay for training with no obligation. After speaking with Phil, who was excited about N.J.'s military, human resources, and police background, he embarked on this new career chapter. He worked for Legacy Toyota for seven years and then Proctor Honda for another seven years. Legacy N.J. Peet Jr. lived a life marked by service, learning, and dedication to family. From his early lessons in education to his distinguished military career, from his commitment to teaching others to his final years in the automotive industry, he approached each chapter with enthusiasm and integrity. His love for his children Marcus and Lori Nicole, his pride in their achievements, and his dedication to helping others learn and grow will be remembered by all who knew him. The one main thing he was known for was that “He Helped People” N.J. is survived by his son Marcus and daughter Lori Nicole, and his grandchildren Josaiah, Maurice, and Nicole. Funeral Arrangements The family will be receiving guests for a visitation at Bevis Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 from 10:00am - 12:00pm with a funeral service to begin at 12:00pm. Interment will be held at Tallahassee National Cemetery following the conclusion of the funeral service at 2:00pm. Breanna Green of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with their arrangements.

Tributes

Norah Joseph "N.J." Peet, Jr.

December 13, 1960 - July 21, 2025