Retired Circuit Judge John W. Booth, 94, passed away at home on May 20, 2018 surrounded by his loving wife of 55 years and two daughters.
A fourth generation Floridian, John was born on January 13, 1924, and then raised in Gainesville. He was the only son to John and Gertrude Booth.
After serving in the Army Air Force during World War II, John attended the University of Florida, where he made many close and life-long friends. John graduated from UF in 1949 and Stetson Law School in 1951. After practicing law for several years in Palatka and Leesburg, John was appointed as Lake County Judge in 1967 and then elected in 1968 as 5th Circuit Judge, where he faithfully served for 31 years, plus a number of years serving as a Senior Judge.
He lived his personal and professional life following Socrates, “to hear courteously, to answer wisely, to consider soberly, and to decide impartially.”
John was an avid hunter and fisherman and will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Marie, and daughters Rebecca (Wylie) Hill of Leesburg, FL and Suzanne Booth of Atlanta, GA and four grandchildren: John, Matthew, Nash and Andrew.
There will be a private family service at his beloved lake home in Melrose, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the St. James Memorial Fund, Leesburg, FL.
