Horace Richard James Sr.

Born in Pensacola, FL on October 21, 1931 to William and Edna James. Buddy graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1949. Introduced to construction at an early age, he went to work with his Father who was employed by Hercules, Inc. He stuck with it and became one of Jacksonville’s leaders in the building industry. He served in the Navy from 1951-1955, managing the commissary on the ship. He returned to Jacksonville to his wife and children and went into business with his brother framing houses. He became the CEO of Florida Title Group managing all their properties and utilities. He became a lifetime member of the National Association of Homebuilders, and was President of the organization in 1987. He recruited more members than anyone else, a record that still holds today. As a charter member, he developed and built The Plantations at Ponte Vedra. He has advised Mayors and Governors on water utility issues, building codes and standards. In 1986 he was awarded the President’s Citation for Private Sector Initiatives by President Ronald Reagan. In 1999 he bought out other founding partners in Florida Title Group to gain control of Jax Utilities Management, Inc.

Buddy truly loved God and Life. He enjoyed listening to Elvis Presley and Billy Joel. Horace played tennis with his family at home on a court that he built. Farming was his passion. He raised Limousin and Angus cattle and donkeys too. He built many barns, the last one was amazing!

He is survived by his loving wife Regina, three brothers, Carlton, Donald and Eddie, three children, Ricky, Karen and Kelly Mike, eight grandchildren, Chris, Laura, Brandy, Jeremiah, Christina, Trey, Justin and Kyle, five great grandchildren, several cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Horace will be held Thursday, February 10, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Hardage-Giddens, Riverside Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32205.

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