Memorials: Remembering Someone Special

The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida is honored to accept donations in memory of a cherished family member or friend. In many cases, the deceased or his/her family have established a fund to specifically support a particular work or organization that was particularly meaningful to the deceased. Below is a selection of the most recently established memorial funds that you may choose, or you may search for another fund or interest area by using the search tool.

You can make any donation in memory or honor of someone by noting such in the Comments section of the donation form for any fund you choose. If you’d like us to acknowledge your donation to someone other than the fundholder, please provide the contact information for the recipient in the comment box as well.

James R. Booth

James Robert Booth stepped into heaven on February 23, 2023. He was born on February 18, 1946, in Jacksonville, FL. Jim grew up in Doctor’s Inlet and was very active in his community. After graduating from Orange Park High School in 1964, he earned his bachelor's degree in physical education with a minor in History before completing his master's degree of Physical Education from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Upon graduation, Jim earned the rank of II LT in ROTC in Louisiana and enlisted in the US Army. After volunteering in Vietnam, he chose to join the Army Reserves and was assigned to the 345th Combat Support Hospital based at USNAS, Jacksonville, where he completed his military career as a Major. He then began his professional career in the early 70’s with Clay County schools at Orange Park High where he taught history and coached. In 1989, Jim completed his tenure at Orange Park High as Principal. His passion for students and families helped him serve as a mentor and teacher to all ages for many years. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Kathy; daughters Kristie Hunt (Tim) and Jennifer Dorney (John), son Keelan Stuart (Jen); grandchildren, Timothy Hunt, Jr., Lauren Hunt, Braedan Stuart, Kaleigh Stuart, Ava Dorney and John Dorney Jr.

In honor of Mr. Booth's life and commitment to the students at Orange Park High School, his family has established the Servant Spirit - James R. Booth Memorial Scholarship Fund. This fund will provide scholarships for Orange Park High School graduates. 

Donation Form

Benito Cataquiz Calingasan

Benito Cataquiz Calingasan, age 74, passed away on Wednesday, January 26, 2022. The son of Elena and Remigio Calingasan, Benito was born in Bauan, Batangas, Philippines in 1948. Benito proudly served in the U.S. Navy for 23 years, where he received multiple recognitions and many awards, including the National Defense Service Medal. Upon retirement, he worked as a civil engineer for more than 13 years contributing to bridge and infrastructure oversight in the state of Texas. He is survived by his loving wife Zenaida Eclarinal Calingasan and his children Candice, Joy, and Glenn (Michael). His 7 grandchildren were his pride and joy; he will be missed dearly by Braxton, Brandon, Aliyah, Abigail, Elijah, Sandy, and Zoey. Benito was blessed to spend time with his great-grandson Maxwell.

The family respectfully requests memorial contributions to the LGBTQ Community Fund for Northeast Florida.

Donation Form

Talen Charles Birt

Talen Charles Birt passed away on August 30, 2021 at the age of 16 after a valiant battle with osteosarcoma.

A National Honor Society scholar and talented athlete at Kirby-Smith Middle School (Springfield Middle), Talen was an inspiration to many as he endured the surgeries and chemotherapy necessary to try and combat his terminal bone cancer. His response to his diagnosis was, “God is positive. So, therefore, I am positive.”

Education was an important part of Talen’s life—so much so that his Dreams Come True wish was to be at Andrew Jackson High School for the first day of 11th grade in mid-August. His visit to campus was cheered by his classmates, the principal and the superintendent. Talen’s ambition had been to attend FAMU/FSU and obtain a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He hoped to get married and have children.

In honor of Talen’s life, his family and friends have established the Talen Charles Birt Memorial Fund. The fund will provide scholarships to defray the cost of college attendance for graduates of William M. Raines, Jean Ribault, First Coast, or Andrew Jackson High Schools.

Donation Form

Jerry D. Watson

Jerry Watson was born on September 7, 1940 in Phenix City, AL, and died on August 7, 2021 in Jacksonville, FL as a result of COVID complications. He was surrounded by his loving family in his final hours.

Growing up, Jerry had a passion for sports and was a star athlete on the field. He played football for Central High School, earning the school’s Most Sportsmanship Award. Jerry attended Auburn University and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering.

Jerry began his professional career with Dupont Technologies in Chattanooga, TN, and later in Wilmington, DE. In 1971, Jerry moved to Jacksonville to join Barnett Bank of Florida. He enjoyed a rewarding career in banking until his retirement in 2014.

During his career, Jerry served on the Board of numerous non-profit organizations. Jerry loved the community he lived and worked in and supported any opportunity to give back.

Jerry always emphasized the importance of a good education as the foundation of your future success. In memory of our loving husband, father, and Papa, the family has established a scholarship fund in his name to benefit a Duval County student wishing to attend Auburn University.

Donation Form

Tristyn Bailey 

The Tristyn Bailey Memorial Fund

The Tristyn Bailey Memorial Fund was established to honor the vibrant life of Tristyn Bailey. At just 13 years old, Tristyn was an inspiration to those around her. She was a loving daughter, sister, and friend; a dedicated student and an avid cheerleader constantly supporting and encouraging those around her. Tristyn was dedicated to achieving her goals whether it be in academics or mastering her back tuck for cheerleading. She was also dedicated to helping others achieve their goals by providing encouraging words and sharing her time to help them out or giving a big hug when needed. This fund will be used to continue to spread Tristyn's light, love and passion for helping others.

Fly High Tristyn - you will live forever in our hearts and minds!

Donation Form

George H. Dorion

George H. Dorion, PhD passed away on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 in Jacksonville, FL. Dr. Dorion was an internationally respected research leader in photo-chemistry, polymer systems, anaerobic waste digestion/ disposal, fermentation and distillation processes, and product development. He began his career as Senior Research Chemist  in the USAF Aeronautical Research Lab at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio and came to Jacksonville in the mid-70s to open and lead Bacardi-Castleton Beverage Corporation, from which he retired in 1995. Among his many philanthropic interests, George and his wife Dottie established scholarships at The Community Foundation for dependents of employees of Bacardi Bottling Corporation Jacksonville. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts to the George and Dottie Dorion Scholarship Fund for Bacardi Jacksonville, FL.

Donation Form

Dennis Ackerman

Dennis Ackerman was born on March 30, 1946 in Baltimore and died on March 21, 2021 in St. Augustine Beach of metastatic esophageal cancer surrounded by his loving family.

Dennis had a multi-decade research career in the Pharmaceutical industry. He received degrees from the University of Maryland (B.S.) and University of Florida College of Medicine (Ph.D.), and had a post-doctoral fellowship at Emory University. Along the way, he made many friends, especially his loving companion and wife Ginger (Virginia) of 42 years. He maintained an active lifestyle with daily trips to the gym and thoroughly enjoyed his favorite sports teams starting with the Baltimore Colts in the late 1950’s and the University of Maryland and University of Florida basketball and football teams. Those left to cherish his memories are his devoted brother Dr. Neil Ackerman and a multitude of compassionate and loving family and friends.

Contributions to the Virginia ‘Ginger’ Ackerman Scholarship Fund will benefit college students in St. Johns County.

Donation Form

For all other funds, search by key word or fund name in the box, and select a Fund from the results. If you can't locate a fund or need assistance, call our office at (904) 356-4483.