It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. James Lamar Gant.

Dr. James Lamar “Jack” Gant was born on August 8, 1927 to the late Adolphus and Cora Lee Gant. To this union four children, Dorothy, Alfred, James and Bettye were conceived in Telogia, Florida and born in Bainbridge, Georgia.

Early in life, James accepted his affectionately known nickname of “Jack” which he was known and often referred to by family and friends his whole life through.

Jack’s childhood and early education began in the public schools of Bainbridge, Georgia. He attended and graduated from Hutto High School. Because of Jack’s high school prowess and academic gifts, he completed the task of high school at 15 years of age and went on to attend Florida Agricultural and Mechanical College in Tallahassee, Florida.

While there, Jack completed the Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology at the age of 19. He obtained the Masters Degree in Educational Administration from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana and the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Florida State University, Tallahassee Florida.

Dr. Gant’s professional development in higher education began. In 1961 he became principal at Bradenton Elementary School; and in 1963 at Lincoln Memorial High School in Bradenton, Florida. He left to work for the Florida Department of Education in Tallahassee, Florida and ultimately was named the first African American Dean of the College of Education at Florida State University.

On June 10, 1950, Jack married the lovely Gloria Whortenberry from Trinton, New Jersey. During their union, Jack and Gloria were blessed with two children Michael Lamar and Jacquelyn Korann. Throughout 73 years of marriage and family bliss, the Gant’s enjoyed national and international trips as well as vacations, holiday’s and family occasions. Commemorating them all, was the family celebrating Dr. and Mrs. James Lamar “Jack” Gant’s 50th Wedding Anniversary in Tallahassee, Florida.

Socially and fraternally, Dr. Gant enjoyed membership in Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (Alpha Zeta Boule), Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and was the 8th elected National Alumni Association President of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University National Alumni Association (1965-1970).

Upon retirement, in an effort to continue his professional and educational pursuits, Dr. Gant developed and opened Gant and Associates for local and national educational consulting and development.

Dr. Gant was preceded in death by his wife Gloria and his son, Michael. Those surviving his memory and cherishing his lost are a devoted and loving daughter Jacquelyn Korann Gant Randolph, Tallahassee, FL. four granddaughters Ashlee Nicole Hinson, Atlanta, GA., Taylor Alexandra Hinson, Tallahassee, FL, Hallye Lauren Hinson Tulloch, Pompano Beach, FL. Ahsari Imani Randolph, Phoenix, AZ. Two great grandchildren, Umilii Hinson, Tallahassee, FL. and Anilah Deborah Tulloch, Pompano Beach, FL.; and a host of nieces, nephews and devoted friends.

Funeral service will be 10:00 A.M. FRIDAY, August 15, 2025 at Bethel A.M.E. Church, with burial at Culley's Meadowwood Memorial Park Cemetery.

Service may be viewed at https://youtube.com/live/_eQwHCtEjuQ?feature=share.

On behalf of the staff and management of Strong & Jones Funeral Home, Inc., we would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. James Lamar Gant.