James Wendell Prevatt

J. Wendell Prevatt, age 89, passed away on December 21, 2024 at his home in Jacksonville, Florida. He was born July 27, 1935 in McAlpin, Florida, son of the late Haskell Prevatt and Willie (Starling) Prevatt. He graduated from Suwannee High School in Live Oak, Florida in 1952 and moved to Jacksonville where in 1957, he married his future wife of 65 years, Ann.

He is survived by his son Jimmy Prevatt (Cristi) and daughter, Darlene Prevatt; granddaughters, Kate Chukas (Nick) and Jenny Taylor (Timmy) and grandsons Wen Cromer (Lisa) and Tripp Prevatt (Lisa); great grandchildren, Cadence and Maverick Cromer, Jace Prevatt and Parker, Kati and Courtney Taylor; his sister Wahletka Byren, along with many nieces and nephews. Wendell was predeceased by his wife, Ann (2022) and his brothers Lamar Prevatt and Marvin Prevatt.

Wendell was fervid about life, from family to sports to business. Whether it was his marriage to Ann for 65 years, his children and grandchildren, bird hunting, playing cards, golfing, fishing and following the Florida Gators, he was enthusiastically “all in”. Wendell and Ann’s loving relationship was a constant throughout. As an avid Gator, he attended as many games, home and away, as physically possible and always seemed to have an extra ticket to share for those in need. Florida-Georgia game and the TPC were celebrations of family and friends at the Prevatt home every year. Late night gin or poker games with family and friends were the rule. The “Dock” was always open to all and Wendell made sure all comers knew how to properly throw the cast net off the “Dock”. Annual golf events and trips with Ann, then Jimmy, to the Masters, US Open or PGA were just embellishment on his passion for the game.

He was an admired businessman founding Prevatt Construction and Development Company in Orange Park, Florida, and, later joined by his brother, Lamar Prevatt, developed numerous subdivisions and built thousands of homes, initiating the development of Clay County. After a short “retirement”, he started a second career, founding and operating North Florida HVAC until his beloved Ann’s health started to diminish. Wendell was an authentic and candid businessman, who went beyond the contract for his homebuyers and in support of the sub-contractors with whom he built homes and later sold A/C equipment. He was honored in his success but took greater pride in silently helping others develop their own businesses or personal lives, whether financially or with the truest of advice. His regard by his business peers was acknowledged when he was elected President of the Northeast Florida Builders Association in 1989. He also held membership in Arlington Masonic Lodge for 60 years, Scottish Rite and Morocco Temple.

Wendell will be remembered and missed by all of us.

A celebration of Wendell's life will be held at Hidden Hills Country Club on January 25th 2025 from 4-7pm.