James E. (Jim) Pennington, DVM

Dr. James E. Pennington, 82, of Melrose Florida, passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Haven Hospice in Gainesville, from a lengthy illness associated with the effects of exposure to the Agent Orange herbicide. He was born on October 11, 1943, the second son of Bill and Juda Pennington of Jasper Florida. Jim was a 6th generation native North Floridian and grew up on the family farm near Jasper with his brothers and later, his two sisters. Growing up on a farm, he developed an early and life long love of all animals. He was always quick to tend to wounded or orphaned critters.

Jim was a 1961 graduate of Jasper High School. He graduated from North Florida Junior College in Madison in 1963, where he served as Student Body President during his second year. He continued his education at the University of Florida, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture in 1965. He completed his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine studies at Auburn University in 1969. Upon graduation, Jim was commissioned a Captain in the US Army. After his preceptorship in Oklahoma, Jim received orders to South Korea where he attended to military dogs from Vietnam and surrounding countries who were often exposed to Agent Orange herbicide.

He returned to Florida in 1973 to Gainesville Animal Hospital. Jim soon saw a need for veterinary services in surrounding communities, often sparsely populated and underserved. He purchased a RV and started the first mobile veterinary practice in Alachua County in 1975, serving the smaller communities of Archer, Alachua, High Springs, Starke, and locations in between.

Jim married Kathryn Wolfe of Gainesville in 1976 and they settled in Starke where, in 1978, he opened Town and Country Veterinary Clinic. Jim enjoyed a small animal and large animal practice for 22 years. When diagnosed with serious illness, he sold the practice in Starke and “semi”-retired.

Upon recovery, Jim continued his work as an associate and relief veterinarian at clinics in Melrose and Keystone. He also became active in veterinary organizations at the local and state levels. Jim was quite active in the Jacksonville and Gainesville Veterinary Medical Associations and served on several committees with the Florida Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA). He was elected State President of the FVMA in 2002 and in 2011, he received the esteemed Distinguished Service Award from the FVMA. He also served on the Dean’s Circle of Excellence at the UF College of Veterinary Medicine as his health allowed.

Jim treasured his many friendships during his life; he was especially partial to his four-legged friends, notably English Setters and a number of rescue cats. He also loved his Limousin Cattle and enjoyed tending to them during his time in Starke.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, and his sister and brother-in-law Jeanne and Jim Kennedy. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Kathryn, his son James Wesleigh Pennington (Heather) of Philadelphia Pennsylvania, daughter Emily Brooke Pennington of Gainesville, and stepson George Levasser (Mari) of Miami. He is also survived by his siblings Billy (Barbara) of Savannah Georgia, Pat Pennington of Jasper, Robert Pennington of Jacksonville, Bill Bryan (Marian) of Tuscaloosa Alabama, and sisters Juda Pennington (Rick Culbreath) of Branford, and Katherine Pennington (Terry Straub) of Tallahassee. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Verne Wolfe and family of Sugar Grove, Illinois. Jim also leaves numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home in Keystone Heights (340 E Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32686), on Wednesday January 14, 2026, from 5:00 - 7:00 pm. A graveside service, led by Pastor Missy Turbeville, will take place at Evergreen Cemetery, Jasper Florida, on Friday, January 16, 2026, beginning at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to First United Methodist Church of Jasper FL (405 Central Ave, SE, Jasper FL 32052, (386) 792-1122), The Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine (Auburn Giving), or The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine (Honor Card Program » Office of Advancement » College of Veterinary Medicine » University of Florida.)