News Summary
The Jacksonville community is mourning the loss of James Thomas Menge, a beloved figure known for his contributions to landscaping and his dedication to family and friends. An alumnus of Samuel W. Wolfson High School, Jim’s life was marked by his passion for nature, creativity, and his deep commitment to his community and faith. A Celebration of Life service will be held to honor his memory and impact on the local area.
Jacksonville, Florida – The local community is mourning the passing of James (Jim) Thomas Menge, who died on June 11, 2025, at the age of 77. Born on February 5, 1948, in Jacksonville, Jim was a pioneering member of the first graduating class of Samuel W. Wolfson High School.
After completing high school, Jim furthered his education at La Grange College in Georgia, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. It was during his college years that he met his future wife, Gaye Jeanne Glanton. The couple married in Orlando in 1969 and later settled in Jacksonville in 1971.
Jim’s passions were diverse and lifelong. He developed a love for surfing in his teenage years, influenced by the iconic film The Endless Summer. This passion took him surfing on the beaches of Florida, Hawaii, and Costa Rica over a remarkable span of 48 years. Post-college, Jim’s intrigue for plants, gardens, and nature flourished, leading him to take over the family business, All Florida School Supply Company. He later became a licensed landscape designer and was renowned for creating stunning tropical landscapes for both residential and commercial properties across Jacksonville.
Throughout his life, Jim pursued various creative hobbies, including photography and videography, with a particular focus on garden design. He became a respected member of the Palm Society and was known for his ability to craft landscapes that provided beauty, peace, and tranquility.
Beyond his professional achievements, Jim was a dedicated family man. He is remembered as a loving and loyal father, grandfather, husband, and friend, embodying values of faith and community. Jim regularly studied the Bible and spread joy and love among those around him. His talent for preserving family memories shone through in the keepsake videos he created for friends and family.
Jim is survived by his wife Gaye, daughters Jennifer Menge Halsing and Melanie Menge Downs, grandson Levi Julian James Downs, sister Phyllis Luther Wade, his cherished dog Domino, and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon Calhoun Menge and Eleanor Gooding Menge, as well as his brother Robert Menge.
To honor Jim’s life, a Celebration of Life memorial service will take place at 1:00 p.m. on June 19, 2025, at the Church of Eleven 22 in Jacksonville Beach. Following the service, friends and family are invited to a reception at Quinn Shalz Funeral Home from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. A graveside service will be held the next day, June 20, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Oaklawn Cemetery, where Jim will be interred beside his family.
As the community remembers Jim, they reflect on the lasting impact he had not only on family and friends but also on the Jacksonville area through his work and love for nature and the arts. His legacy of kindness and creativity will be cherished by many.
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: James Menge
- Wikipedia: Jacksonville
- Dignity Memorial: Robert Menge
- Google Search: James Menge
- Legacy.com: Victoria Miller Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jacksonville
- Legacy.com: Judy Menge Obituary
- Google News: James Menge
- Legacy.com: Annabel Kiley Obituary
- Google Scholar: James Menge
