James "Jim" Riley Pridgeon Jr.

James “Jim” Riley Pridgeon Jr., age 55, passed away June 28, 2023 at North Florida Regional Hospital in Gainesville, FL. Jim was born in Perry, FL to James Pridgeon Sr. and Martha Sue Sheffield on May 1, 1968. He was raised in Steinhatchee, FL. where he started work at the age of 16 as the captain of a shrimp boat for his family's business. In 1989 he began his career with Taylor County Fire Rescue where he served 6 years before moving to Alachua County Fire Rescue where he retired in 2012 after 18 years of service. Jim was a man of God, a faithful husband and dedicated father and grandfather who put all others before himself.

 He is preceded in death by his father James Riley Pridgeon Sr., his stepfather Michael Smyrnios and his grandparents William Sheffield, Esther Sheffield, Berlin Pridgeon and Ida Mae Pridgeon.

Jim is survived by his wife of 33 years Alanna Pridgeon; his children Trent (Kaley) Pridgeon, Cassie Mesa, and Tyler Pridgeon; mother, Sue Smyrnios; sisters Jeri (Rickey) Abercrumbie and Janalea (Garrett) England; stepsisters and stepbrothers; Lorraine Davis, Dale Smyrnios, Kathy Linton, Donna Gilbreath and Jimmy Dale Jackson; and grandchildren Bryce Pridgeon, Cayden Mesa, Silas Pridgeon along with many other extended family members.  

A service to honor Jim’s life will be held on Thursday, July 6, 2023 starting at 10:00 am at Watson-Milton Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm on Wednesday, July 5, 2023. Jim will be laid to rest immediately following the funeral service at Waters Memorial Cemetery in Steinhatchee, FL. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Watson-Milton Funeral Home.

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