Franklin Country lost one of our kindest and most giving friends this week. Jim always greeted you with a smile and warm hello. Please say hello to Jim’s wife Andrea when you see her, and keep her in your prayers.

James A Padgett, Jr (‘Doc’)

James A Padgett, Jr (‘Doc’), 79, of Eastpoint, FL passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. He was born July 22, 1943 in Bonifay , FL. He lived in Westville, FL with his Mother and grandparents; he never met his father who was killed in WW II.

He started his college education at Chipola Junior College before continuing to the University of Florida. He always believed that a good education was his best way to advance in the world. At U of F he received his degree in Chemical Engineering. He worked for 8 years as a chemical engineer for Shell Oil in New Orleans. His interest in dentistry developed in New Orleans where he attended LSU to receive his doctorate. He practiced dentistry in New Orleans before moving back to the Panhandle of Florida. He had a thriving practice in Panama City before starting a small practice in Apalachicola. He became so busy that he ended up having to sell one practice, he had always said that luckily, the one in

Panama City sold, something for which he was always grateful. This area always satisfied his interest in nature, with fishing and hunting being such a big part of his life. He has always been in love with the people here who became his patients at the dental practice and his friends.

Jim married Peggy Lewis of Port Saint Joe in 1967. Married for 13 years, he had his two children , Monica Lanora, and James Ashley III (Padge). While in Panama City he met Andrea Robinson and 9 years later, they married in 1990. They have been happily married for 33 years. In 2016 they adopted a beautiful 15 year old girl from Mississippi, Mariah Faith, to join their family.

‘Doc’s’ interest in hunting continued to grow and took him to South Africa and New Zealand. He loved South Africa and made many great friends while hunting there. He probably would have wanted to move there if not for his love of family, great friends, and love of the patients in his dental practice.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents and beloved daughter Monica. Many of his good friends and loved family members will be waiting for his arrival in heaven. He is survived by wife Andrea, his son, James(Padge), his daughter Mariah, grandchildren James Ashley IV (Buddy) and Lincoln Greenfield. He is survived and loved by so many family members in Alabama and the Bonifay Florida area.

‘Doc’ will be remembered for his sharp intelligence, kindness, and great sense of humor. He loved his family, all people of Franklin and Gulf County, and his many special friends. Although a simple man, he was a very special person.

Please keep this precious family in your prayers.