In Loving Memory of James Roosevelt Stockton, Jr. (Jimmy)
February 27, 1934 – August 16, 2025
James Roosevelt Stockton, Jr. (Jimmy), passed away on August 16, 2025, at the age of 91. Born on February 27, 1934, in Jacksonville, Florida, he was the beloved son of Elizabeth Randolph Preston Bryan Stockton and James Roosevelt Stockton. A devoted historian of his family’s legacy, Jimmy traced his roots back to 1660 and honored their stories—alongside his own remarkable journeys—in his memoir, Stockton Safaris.
Jimmy’s early life was marked by distinction. At The Lawrenceville School in New Jersey, he was awarded the first Silver Trustees Cup for outstanding character. His headmaster described him as possessing “one of the best sets of values we have ever come in contact with,” noting his genuine interest in others, his deep understanding of human nature, and his unwavering sense of right and wrong. These traits would define Jimmy throughout his life.
A 1957 Washington and Lee University graduate, Jimmy went on to serve his country as a U.S. Marine Corps Company Commander and First Lieutenant. He carried the leadership and honor instilled in him during those years into various roles—as a successful banker, developer, realtor, civic leader, environmental preservationist, and philanthropist.
Continuing the visionary work of his father and grandfather, Telfair and Jimmy Stockton—who were instrumental in developing Jacksonville neighborhoods such as Riverside, Avondale, and San Marco—Jimmy led with a pioneering spirit. As the developer of Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, he helped shape Northeast Florida, just as his family had through their work with Stockton, Whatley & Davin, once one of the nation’s top ten mortgage companies. Jimmy’s impact extended to every corner of the region: he re-routed A1A for better community access, donated Mickler’s Landing land to the State of Florida, and played a critical role in transforming the Jacksonville Zoo into the beloved institution it is today.
Outside of civic life, Jimmy was a true outdoorsman with a passion for adventure. A lifelong hunter and fisherman, his African safaris became legendary—epic journeys that took him across vast and remote landscapes. He hunted with world-class guides and traveled extensively, including a 2,000-mile trek through Southern Sudan. He fished and hunted across the globe, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, Panama to Australia, the Yucatan to Kenya, Alaska, and countless places in between. Every journey was embraced with joy, curiosity, and awe.
Jimmy was also deeply connected to Christ Episcopal Church, built on land donated by Stockton, Whatley & Davin. The church’s celebrated music program has been enriched over the years by two organs gifted by the Stockton family, a reflection of Jimmy’s lasting devotion to faith and community.
More than his many accomplishments, Jimmy will be remembered for how he touched people’s lives. The late Ted Baker once said, “He is kind, friendly, and generous to a fault. It doesn’t matter if you can help him or not… if he likes you, that’s good enough for him.” His wife, Vikki, described him as the Pied Piper: “People flock to Jimmy and want to know what he is doing, where he is going, and if possible, to join the fun and adventure.” His commanding officer, Lt. Col. Jim Wilkinson, U.S. Marine Corps, declared, “Of all the men I commanded and served with, Jim Stockton stands at the top rank. As a Marine officer, he was the gold standard.”
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Preston. He is survived by his devoted wife, Vikki Stockton, and his children: James Roosevelt Stockton III (Jimbo), Pace Wagoner, Peyton Stockton, Layton Langley, and Vikki’s son Brand McCarley (Marcy). He was a proud grandfather to Bobby and Jamie Stockton, Caroline Riedel, Cody and Cameron Langley, Gus and Daniel Wagoner, and Kaseleigh McCarley. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved him dearly.
The Rev. Jim Cooper will conduct a memorial service at 11 am on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Christ Episcopal Church. A reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the HEAL Foundation – Helping Enrich Autistic Lives.
Jimmy lived a life of purpose, generosity, and joy. His legacy will continue to shine brightly in the lives he touched and the community he helped shape.
