James David Gwartney

Within the domains of marriage, family, and career few can assert the role model mantle impacting numerous lives along the way. James David Gwartney, 83, of Tallahassee, Florida died at home on January 7, 2024.

Jim Gwartney was born, the youngest of three children in Atchison, Kansas in 1940 to James and Gladys Gwartney, who worked a farm in America’s heartland. Growing up on a farm instilled him with a strong work ethic. But his sharp mind led him to attend Ottawa University (Kansas), where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree. As a tribute to his impact in the field of Economics, Ottawa University is now home to The Gwartney Institute. He earned his PhD in Economics at the University of Washington, where he met influential figures in the field. His academic pursuits led to a post-graduate position at Florida State University in the Department of Economics. It is rare to discover your dream job directly out of school, but after 53 years as a Professor of Economics, Jim retired from Florida State University, where he is Professor Emeritus and served as director of The Gus A. Stavros Center for Economic Education.

Jim met the love of his life, Amy, while attending Ottawa University. On their first date, Jim took Amy to Kansas City to see the movie, King of Kings. The two were soon married in 1962. Their 61 years of marriage exemplified unwavering mutual support and commitment. Beyond his academic endeavors, Jim Gwartney was dedicated to his family. Jim and Amy had four sons: Scott (Cathy), David (Tiffany), Mark (Amy Katherine) and J.R. (Amy Carol). He also embraced and treasured his role as grandfather to 9 grandchildren (Christy, Casey, Chandler, Kelly, Gage, Caralina, Elizabeth, Titus, and Rebecca). His longevity allowed him to enjoy the presence of two great-grandchildren, Evander and Kaiyah (with another on the way).

In addition to his role as professor of Economics, he was a prolific writer and researcher, co-authoring “Economics: Private and Public Choice," a widely acclaimed textbook that has educated students around the globe. It is currently scheduled to release the 18th edition, marking 50 years of academic usage. His more accessible work was “Common Sense Economics”, which has been translated into multiple languages. As a researcher, he made substantial contributions to the understanding of the relationship between economic freedom and prosperity. His “Economic Freedom of the World” annual report is widely recognized and cited by researchers and policy makers. Space does not permit a listing of his many professional publications, activities, and accolades.

Perhaps most remarkably, he accomplished so much in his life while being blind for the past 30 years. His wife, Amy, traveled with him and supported him faithfully in all his engagements and activities. The key to his remarkable perseverance was his strong Christian faith in Jesus Christ. He led a large Sunday School class for married couples for almost 20 years. More recently, he attended Element3 Church in Tallahassee, Florida. Devoted to his work, which he embraced as a passion, he still carved out moments for his love for Florida State football and Los Angeles Dodgers baseball.

His contributions to the world of economics will continue to resonate, and his memory will be cherished by colleagues, students, and all those who were touched by his remarkable journey.

Jim was preceded in death by two older sisters, Dolores Thompson and Shirley Haines.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 10, 2024 from 6pm - 8pm at Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, 700 Timberlane Road. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, January 11, 2024 at 10:30am at Thomasville Road Baptist Church with burial to follow at MeadowWood Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Jim’s memory can be given to either to The Gwartney Institute at Ottawa University or Global Outreach / Good Shepherd’s Fold.