James Earl "Jay" Preston, Jr.

James Earl Preston, Jr., known to all as “Jay,” would probably roll his eyes at reading a typical “list of life accomplishments” after he was taken too soon on November 12, 2016. He did, however, proudly work at Florida Department of Law Enforcement for over 20 years, within the Criminal Justice Professionalism Division in various capacities. His passion was organizing the High Liability Trainers Conferences for law enforcement trainers statewide. The conferences were Jay’s “baby,” and the positive result of these highly successful events on the quality of police service in Florida is immeasurable.

Jay spent his best years loving and proudly supporting his two beautiful children, Megan and T.J. From being master pumpkin carver to best-buddy sounding board, he will always remain their movie buddy, their Daddy, their hero.

Jay was very close to with his mom and dad, Sandra and Jim. He was always grateful for his magical child-hood and never took his family dynamic for granted. His absence will forever create a hole in their hearts. Jay also loved the talks he had with his brother, John, not only due to their irreverence but also because John listened to Jay with patience and love. Jay’s sister, Susan Preston Richards, held a special place in his heart; he never forgot the fun times they shared.

The center of Jay’s universe was his wife of 26 years, Perri. Perri was attracted to Jay’s sense of humor, his upstanding morals and ethics, and his commitment to family and work. To sum it up, Jay was just a good man. Jay not only loved and cherished Perri, but considered her his best friend. Perri was always in awe of Jay’s determination not to be defeated by his disease, and considers it an honor to have been his wife.

Although he is gone, Jay is now happily playing golf and smoking up a mean turkey, something he was robbed of doing for many years. His faithful companion, Libby, is keeping a close vigil. Jay rarely, if ever, complained, and his handling of his situation is a great testament to his strength and perseverance, an example which we all should strive to emulate.

Jay was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, John and Mertis Evans, his paternal grandparents, Earl and Lois Preston, and his beloved sister, Susan Preston Richards. He leaves behind the family that adored him, Perri, Megan and TJ, Jim and Sandra Preston, John and Adrian Preston and family, his cherished in-laws Tom and Pat Ellinor, Tim Ellinor, Tommy and Cathi Ford, and Eric Richards, along with many other loving and supporting family and friends.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, November 19, 2016, at 11:00 at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home located at 1737 Riggins Road, Tallahassee, Florida. Friends and family are welcome to share their love and memories with the family at a reception immediately following the service.