James "Jim" Ernest Boone Jr.'s Obituary
James “Jim” Ernest Boone Jr., 93, passed away peacefully at his home on December 9, 2025. Jim was born May 8, 1932, in Roanoke, Virginia, to Hazel Hampton and James Ernest Boone, and was raised in Erwin, Tennessee.
A proud graduate of East Tennessee State University, Jim earned his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry in 1956 and was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He honorably served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean Police Action, with duty stationed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and later aboard the Sea Wolf submarine.
In 1957, Jim began his career as a medical technologist at Watson Clinic, where he worked for more than a decade. In 1968, he opened Boone Laboratories, serving as Medical Lab Director until his retirement in 1995.
Jim married the love of his life, Jean Lane Boone, with whom he shared 62 wonderful years. Together they raised two daughters, who were the pride of his life.
An avid outdoorsman, Jim found joy in hunting deer, turkey, and elk, and in fishing across Florida, Alaska, and Argentina. He and Jean enjoyed many years of doubles tennis together, and Jim especially loved playing golf—most of all in the mountains near his hometown of Erwin.
Deeply engaged in his community, Jim served on the Board of Trustees for Polk General Hospital and was President of the Citrus Center Kiwanis Club from 1974–75. A devoted FSU football fan, he also sponsored little league baseball at Peterson Park, where he proudly cheered for his grandsons.
Jim is survived by his daughters Jennifer Brinson and Jaime (Stan) Gottlieb; grandchildren Chase (Amanda) Brinson, Hunter (Kayla) Brinson, Lane Gottlieb, and Laurel Gottlieb; and five great-grandchildren, who brought him immense joy.
After the passing of his cherished wife Jean, Jim was fortunate to find love again with Marguerite “Weetsie” Fletcher. They shared five happy years together before her passing in August.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Friday, December 19, at 1:00 PM.
Jim will be remembered for his generosity, his love of adventure, his devotion to family, and the warmth and integrity he brought to every part of his life. His legacy lives on in all who knew and loved him.
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