James William Hart, passed away on September 9, 2023, at the age of 84. He was born on February 27, 1939, to Theodore Hart and Anna Elizabeth Eldridge in New York, N.Y.
James obtained his Bachelor of Science at Clemson University in 1962, he also obtained his Juris Doctor Degree from Emory University in 1968. He is an honored member of Phi Delta Phi. James was admitted to the bar in Florida in 1973, and then Georgia in 1974. He was also a Judge for the Ninth Judicial Circuit, in Orlando Florida from 1973- 1979.
He then went on to be a Family Law Mediator in 1983. In the years of 1992, he became an Adjunct Professor for Criminal Justice and Legal Studies for the University of Central Florida and ended his tenure in 1997. Among his many titles, he has also received the same commendations, which include being awarded by the Trustees Guardian Ad Litem Program, Legal Aid Society of Orange County in 1982; Certificate of Commendation, The Florida Bar, in 1991 and 1993. He was awarded Outstanding Leadership, and Military affairs Committee.
He served as a member of Orange County Chairman- New Members Committee in 1979, Member of Medical/Legal Committee in 1980, Criminal Law Section 1982, Family Law Committee 1983, Seminole County Board of Directory in 1994, and many more to follow, which include State Bar of Georgia, Central Florida Criminal Defense, Attorneys Association of Trial Lawyers Sections, and The Association of Trial Lawyers of America. James also took pride in serving his country as Col., JAG, USAR, Military Judge and Airborne Ranger.
Amongst his many accomplishments, James enjoyed art and reading.
James is survived by his wife, Shirley Hart; his sons, Erik and Brian Hart; and daughters Angela Austin, and Candace Guilford. He was also a proud grandfather of 4 Grandchildren, Addison, Braydon, Rylin, and Dylan.
A graveside ceremony will be held 4 p.m. on Monday, September 18, 2023, at Palm Cemetery in Winter Park Florida.