J. Wiliam "Bill" Rooks

J. William “Bill” Rooks passed away in Jacksonville, Fl on December 2, 2012 after a long battle with cancer. He was born on March 7, 1934 to Willie Mae and Millard Rooks in Tifton, GA. He graduated from Tifton High in 1952.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Bell Rooks, Son, James W. Rooks Jr. and wife Debbie, Daughters Janet E. Shave, Jennifer Williams and step Son Robert Moore, Sister Susie Rooks and husband Frank, Brother Wilton and wife Diane. In addition to 9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Bill attended GA Teachers College (now GA Southern), Abraham Baldwin College and University of GA, Atlanta Campus (now GA State University). Bill loved flying and earned several ratings from Aero Tech institute in Houston, TX including Commercial Pilot, Multi engine rating, Instrument rating, and Flight and ground Instructor ratings. He was type rated in several airplanes. He owned his own airplane and spent many happy hours in it.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict.

He was employed by Sea World of Florida as Director of Food Services and was promoted to Vice President of Food Services on the Corporate Staff and was responsible for Food Services in all the parks. In 1987 Bill was promoted to President of the Ohio Sea World company and remained in that position until he retired in 1994.

Bill felt that he had an obligation to give back to his industry and community organizations and was very active in them. He served as President of the Florida Restaurant Association and on the Board of Directors of the National Restaurant Association. He was selected as Salute’ Restaurateur of the year (1985) for the state of Florida. He also served several years on the board of the Florida Division of Hotels and Restaurants.

When he was transferred to Ohio he served on several boards and as a city commissioner for the city of Aurora Oh. He and Judy retired in 1994 and moved to Little Piney Island, Fernandina Fla. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 4th from 10-11 a.m. with a service following at 11 a.m. at the Funeral Home. Interment will be in Tifton, Ga.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025.