James Edward Judge

James Edward “Jimmy” Judge passed away on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at the age of 55. At the time of his passing, he was dealing with complications from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (A.L.S. – commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease).

Jimmy was born in Syracuse, New York and graduated from Nathaniel Bedford Forrest High School in Jacksonville, Florida.

He attended the Florida Community College of Jacksonville (F.C.C.J. now known as the Florida State College of Jacksonville) before joining the J.S.O.

In May 1991, he joined the J.S.O. and began his career as a Patrolman in the new Zone 4 before being promoted to the rank of Sergeant and transferred to Zone 3. In 2001, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and was assigned as a Watch Commander in Zone 4. As a Sergeant and Lieutenant, he was assigned to the Field Force unit where he supervised and trained for 20 years of his career. He was later transferred to the Community Affairs Division and oversaw the School Resource Officer Unit until transferring back to Zone 3 as the Evening Shift Watch Commander. Despite remaining busy with the J.S.O. and family, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Liberty University in 1997. Jimmy was appointed by Sheriff Mike Williams to the rank of Assistant Chief and was assigned as the Zone 1 Commander for several years before being assigned as the Assistant Chief over Special Events. He remained in Special Events until his passing after serving over 31 years with the agency.

He was described by his wife (Shannon) as being an avid runner, weightlifter and was ranked a 3rd degree black belt in the state of Florida as a teenager.

Jimmy’s fight against A.L.S. was relentless and inspiring to all who met him and knew him. He passed away peacefully surrounded by family members and close friends.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years of marriage, his son (Jakie), his mother and father (Roberta and John Judge) and sister (Jeanine – currently a Deputy with St. Johns County).

A visitation for James will be held Wednesday, January 25, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223. A funeral service will occur Thursday, January 26, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Church of Eleven22, 14286 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32250. A committal service with honors will occur Thursday, January 26, 2023 at Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207.

The family requested that donations be made to Community Hospice in Jimmy Judge’s name.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgmandarin.com for the Judge family.