Here is a link to the article by Mike Saewitz that appeared in the Sarasota Herald Tribune on Saturday, May 28, 2005. When the link expires I will post the text.
http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050528/NEWS/505280420
Here is a link to the Bradenton Herald article by Annette Ayers and Aimee Juarez that appeared on Sunday, May 29, 2005.
http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradentonherald/11765993.htm
Saturday, May 28, 2005
Friday, May 27, 2005
Obituary
James Evans Slater
James Evans Slater, Longboat Key, Fla., died May 26, 2005, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Jim was born in Bloomington, Illinois, and came to Longboat Key, in 1973. He was a graduate of Southern Methodist University and Stetson University School of Law, St. Petersburg, Fla. He was a member of the Florida Bar since 1973. He worked in the State Attorney Office in Sarasota, since 1973, and was an assistant state attorney in the prosecutor's office. In 1977, he transferred to the Bradenton Division of the Public Defender's Office, where he served as Chief Public Defender and the head of the Capitol First Degree Murder Case Division, until his death. Survivors include his longtime friend and colleague, Judge Rick DeFuria, and one brother, Jack W., of the Fort Myers area. At Jim's request, there will be no viewing or services. A memorial gathering will be announced. Memorial contributions may be made to an animal charity of the donor's choice or a charity of the donor's choice. Toale Brothers Funeral Home Bradenton Chapel in charge of arrangements.
Published in The Herald on 5/28/2005.
The link to the obituary is:
http://www.legacy.com/bradenton/LegacySubPage2.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=14072646
There is a guestbook at that site.
With respect to donations: Cyndi Smith Manatee Public Defender's Office writes:
Elliott and I talked and we agreed that a good cause to give to in honor of our beloved Jim would be "Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida".Jim adopted his Lab, Allie, from there and I know he would greatly appreciate donations to this cause. Here is the website to check it out: www.labradorrescue.net
James Evans Slater, Longboat Key, Fla., died May 26, 2005, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Jim was born in Bloomington, Illinois, and came to Longboat Key, in 1973. He was a graduate of Southern Methodist University and Stetson University School of Law, St. Petersburg, Fla. He was a member of the Florida Bar since 1973. He worked in the State Attorney Office in Sarasota, since 1973, and was an assistant state attorney in the prosecutor's office. In 1977, he transferred to the Bradenton Division of the Public Defender's Office, where he served as Chief Public Defender and the head of the Capitol First Degree Murder Case Division, until his death. Survivors include his longtime friend and colleague, Judge Rick DeFuria, and one brother, Jack W., of the Fort Myers area. At Jim's request, there will be no viewing or services. A memorial gathering will be announced. Memorial contributions may be made to an animal charity of the donor's choice or a charity of the donor's choice. Toale Brothers Funeral Home Bradenton Chapel in charge of arrangements.
Published in The Herald on 5/28/2005.
The link to the obituary is:
http://www.legacy.com/bradenton/LegacySubPage2.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=14072646
There is a guestbook at that site.
With respect to donations: Cyndi Smith Manatee Public Defender's Office writes:
Elliott and I talked and we agreed that a good cause to give to in honor of our beloved Jim would be "Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida".Jim adopted his Lab, Allie, from there and I know he would greatly appreciate donations to this cause. Here is the website to check it out: www.labradorrescue.net
Courthouse Colleagues
Jim was one of my best friends, a gentleman to the core, and an attorney par excellence.
Peter Dubensky
I painfully regret not calling to see how Jim was doing(as I heard he was in the hospital for testing). Mainly, we don't get the chance to talk to him again. I had no idea how sick he was and that shows how fragile life is. As one who's line of work crossed paths with Jim's many times, I can say without reservation he will be sorely missed. He was a great lawyer and the consummate professional.
Wilson Broussard, Jr. MD (Sarasota, FL )
3 June 2005 12th Circuit Florida rosie@kudos.net
Jim Slater was a great inspiration to many people and I was fortunate enough to number myself among them. I worked in all 3 counties but whenever I was in the Bradenton office, Jim made me welcome and took the time to assist me with whatever I needed that day. Our work was not glamorous or joyous...we received rewards by knowing that we were doing our utmost to help the most desperate and desolate. Jim was truly interested in SERVICE to others. He exhibited this and served as an excellent role model and mentor. More than anyone else, he helped me maintain my integrity and my determination to do things the right way even when I was so often criticized for trying to do too much. Jim was ever supportive to everyone and he always expressed appreciation for what we did...he did not take for granted what we did. He freely gave of himself and, in a positive way, he gave hope to even the most hopeless of people and causes. Every life was precious to him...he touched so many in the short time he had on this earth. Our world is in need of many more "Jims" and we will surely feel his loss for a long time to come. Jim will remain ever-present in my thoughts because he was one of the very few persons who took the extra time to care and to encourage others to follow his example with a gentle, subtle persuasion. I am very saddened by his death.
My deepest sympathy to everyone.
Rosie Hinnebusch
Charlie Ann Syprett said...
I was and remain profoundly shocked by the news of Jim's sudden passing. The legal community has lost a steadfast star, and many of us have lost a kind and caring friend. During the late eighties and early nineties, I had the honor of working side by side with Jim in the then newly created Capital Division in the PD's Office. However, it wasn't until after I left the Public Defender's Office, that I truly appreciated what a gift and privilege those years with Jim were. He was, without ever really intending to be, the most gifted teacher and mentor....simply by the example he set in the way he practiced our craft and led the office. He was so very disciplined, thorough and methodical in his case preparation. He was committed and devoted to his clients. And, he was always so respectful and courteous to his colleagues, adversaries, and to the Court. He was a true professional. I have often told my husband and others how lucky I was to have worked with Jim during those years. How I regret that I never really told Jim how much I learned from him and how much I appreciated him. I would also want to tell him that I considered him to be my friend and that I was so moved...and comforted...when years later, he showed up at my father's funeral service. That meant so very much to me.
Jim shall forever remain in my heart and thoughts. My faith tells me that I will meet him again some day. I wish his family and friends strength and comfort during this most painful time.
Walt Smith said...
Jim Slater was a wonderful human being and an incredible attorney. Jim will be incredibly missed by the judges in front of whom he appeared. Every judge who had a hearing with Jim consistently remarked about his skills and his intellect. My dealings with Jim were always straightforward, honest, and usually funny. There are people that you run across who "get it." Jim was one of those and, as a result, it was always a pleasure to interact with him. It was obvious how strongly he felt for his fellow human beings, whether they be defendants, co-workers or friends. We will miss him terribly.
Mark Lipinski said...
It was somewhere around 1978 when the world and I were much younger that I met Jim Slater. Even then, he was doing murder cases -- in fact it seemed like he was doing murder cases almost every month in front of judges such as Silvertooth, Hall, Walker and others who most attorneys now do not know. I don't know how he did it. Even then, I marveled at how he was able to put together a defense for the horrible, horrible cases that were thrown his way. He even won a couple of them against all odds. I can't say that we were great friends although we were always on friendly terms. I often sat in the courtroom and watched his cross examination. The thing I remembered most about Jim was that there always was a point to it. Sometimes, people (especially me) forget that cross examination is more than examining crossly. He was uniformly polite to even the most hostile of witnesses. And I think it served him well. Later on, I would see him frequently in Manatee County in his death cases. There is a special place in heaven for people like Jim who are the attorneys for the damned. I know he is there now.
Peter Dubensky
I painfully regret not calling to see how Jim was doing(as I heard he was in the hospital for testing). Mainly, we don't get the chance to talk to him again. I had no idea how sick he was and that shows how fragile life is. As one who's line of work crossed paths with Jim's many times, I can say without reservation he will be sorely missed. He was a great lawyer and the consummate professional.
Wilson Broussard, Jr. MD (Sarasota, FL )
3 June 2005 12th Circuit Florida rosie@kudos.net
Jim Slater was a great inspiration to many people and I was fortunate enough to number myself among them. I worked in all 3 counties but whenever I was in the Bradenton office, Jim made me welcome and took the time to assist me with whatever I needed that day. Our work was not glamorous or joyous...we received rewards by knowing that we were doing our utmost to help the most desperate and desolate. Jim was truly interested in SERVICE to others. He exhibited this and served as an excellent role model and mentor. More than anyone else, he helped me maintain my integrity and my determination to do things the right way even when I was so often criticized for trying to do too much. Jim was ever supportive to everyone and he always expressed appreciation for what we did...he did not take for granted what we did. He freely gave of himself and, in a positive way, he gave hope to even the most hopeless of people and causes. Every life was precious to him...he touched so many in the short time he had on this earth. Our world is in need of many more "Jims" and we will surely feel his loss for a long time to come. Jim will remain ever-present in my thoughts because he was one of the very few persons who took the extra time to care and to encourage others to follow his example with a gentle, subtle persuasion. I am very saddened by his death.
My deepest sympathy to everyone.
Rosie Hinnebusch
Charlie Ann Syprett said...
I was and remain profoundly shocked by the news of Jim's sudden passing. The legal community has lost a steadfast star, and many of us have lost a kind and caring friend. During the late eighties and early nineties, I had the honor of working side by side with Jim in the then newly created Capital Division in the PD's Office. However, it wasn't until after I left the Public Defender's Office, that I truly appreciated what a gift and privilege those years with Jim were. He was, without ever really intending to be, the most gifted teacher and mentor....simply by the example he set in the way he practiced our craft and led the office. He was so very disciplined, thorough and methodical in his case preparation. He was committed and devoted to his clients. And, he was always so respectful and courteous to his colleagues, adversaries, and to the Court. He was a true professional. I have often told my husband and others how lucky I was to have worked with Jim during those years. How I regret that I never really told Jim how much I learned from him and how much I appreciated him. I would also want to tell him that I considered him to be my friend and that I was so moved...and comforted...when years later, he showed up at my father's funeral service. That meant so very much to me.
Jim shall forever remain in my heart and thoughts. My faith tells me that I will meet him again some day. I wish his family and friends strength and comfort during this most painful time.
Walt Smith said...
Jim Slater was a wonderful human being and an incredible attorney. Jim will be incredibly missed by the judges in front of whom he appeared. Every judge who had a hearing with Jim consistently remarked about his skills and his intellect. My dealings with Jim were always straightforward, honest, and usually funny. There are people that you run across who "get it." Jim was one of those and, as a result, it was always a pleasure to interact with him. It was obvious how strongly he felt for his fellow human beings, whether they be defendants, co-workers or friends. We will miss him terribly.
Mark Lipinski said...
It was somewhere around 1978 when the world and I were much younger that I met Jim Slater. Even then, he was doing murder cases -- in fact it seemed like he was doing murder cases almost every month in front of judges such as Silvertooth, Hall, Walker and others who most attorneys now do not know. I don't know how he did it. Even then, I marveled at how he was able to put together a defense for the horrible, horrible cases that were thrown his way. He even won a couple of them against all odds. I can't say that we were great friends although we were always on friendly terms. I often sat in the courtroom and watched his cross examination. The thing I remembered most about Jim was that there always was a point to it. Sometimes, people (especially me) forget that cross examination is more than examining crossly. He was uniformly polite to even the most hostile of witnesses. And I think it served him well. Later on, I would see him frequently in Manatee County in his death cases. There is a special place in heaven for people like Jim who are the attorneys for the damned. I know he is there now.
More Friends Write
I knew Jim as a man with heart and integrity and a magnificient capacity to enjoy all sorts of people. He spent the past Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas brunch and the annual Easter Egg hunt at my home. He embraced me and my daughter, Canyon, like family. My favorite memory is of Jim and Gary Pike following Canyon around the yard on a muddy morning as she 'found' the Easter goodies they had just hid for her. After reading so many professional praises, I realize now what a complex person he was. To operate on such a high intellectual level, yet have the skill to communicate with a two year old - amazing.
Suzette Jones
I was very saddened to hear about Jim's passing. He was my first boss when I started my legal career as an intern from Stetson in the Bradenton office. As busy as he was with high profile cases and managing the office, he gave freely of his time to help me with my intern cases and took a real interest in my development as an attorney. He would critique me in a way that would show me where I went wrong and encourage me at the same time. Whatever abilities I may have as a lawyer, I credit in great part to Jim. I will always be grateful to Jim for getting my legal career off to a good start. I know he will be missed.
Regards, Vic Moore, Venice, Florida.
Suzette Jones
I was very saddened to hear about Jim's passing. He was my first boss when I started my legal career as an intern from Stetson in the Bradenton office. As busy as he was with high profile cases and managing the office, he gave freely of his time to help me with my intern cases and took a real interest in my development as an attorney. He would critique me in a way that would show me where I went wrong and encourage me at the same time. Whatever abilities I may have as a lawyer, I credit in great part to Jim. I will always be grateful to Jim for getting my legal career off to a good start. I know he will be missed.
Regards, Vic Moore, Venice, Florida.
Reaction from around the State
The public defender family of the state has suffered a tremendous loss of a dedicated professional and a caring person. The number of us who have saved a fellow human beings' life is a very limited group and to lose on of us at such an early age is truly painful. My sympathies to all.
Bob DillingerPublic Defender 6th circuit
and one of the co-founders of Life over Death
I was sad to hear of Jim's passing. I feel privileged to have had the chance to
know him and work with him on the Steering Committee. My sympathies to his
family and friends on their loss.
Trish Cashman Orlando
As already noted by so many in this weblog, Jim Slater was a wonderful attorney- but he was an even better man. I was fortunate to work with Jim for 2 1/2 years in Bradenton, and remember well his ability to share his insight, experience, and wisdom with others, no matter how pressing his own workload. He was an inspiration to all who worked with him, and will be sorely missed.
Mike Hope Pinellas Public Defender's Office
I was saddened to hear of Jim's passing. I plan on attending the
service at the Manatee County Courthouse on Friday.
Jim Purdy, Public Defender 7th Judicial Circuit
Our sincere sympathies and great pain with this news. Jim was so quiet about his own circumstances that this illness comes as a real shock. We are feeling your pain and loss, Slater family and PD12 family.
Robert Wesley
Public Defender 9th Judicial Circuit
I too am shocked and saddened. Jim was great person, a tireless advocate and has done a tremendous job as Chairman of the Death Penalty Steering Committee. His contributions to our work and the Florida Public Defender Association will be sorely missed. My condolences to all his friends, co-workers and family.
Austin Maslanik 10th Judicial Circuit
A tremendous loss! Jim was a scholar, a leader, and a great lawyer. He took over the chair of the steering committee at a difficult time. He did a great job. He had great organizational skills and could really run a meeting. He picked up right where Johnny Kearns left off, making a joke at my expense at least once each meeting. It was all in fun. I'll miss him.
Chris Quarles Daytona Beach
I have always been amazed at those who, despite having enormous responsibilities and workloads that would break a mere mortal's back, still find time to offer more, and offer to lead. Jim did that, and he did it astoundingly well...and he did it with kindness, compassion, and extraordinary intelligence. I never had the honor of watching him practice in a court of law, but I wish like hell I had. I did get to see him lead though, and I got to know him. For that, I am extremely grateful.
William Miller, 5th Judicial Circuit
I was saddened upon learning of Jim's death. He will be missed. His dedication, enthusiasm, and positive view was contagious. A conversation with Jim was always an upbeat experience for me. I have been privileged to call him a colleague and friend.
Bill McLain Tallahassee
That is terrible news. I have known him over 25 years. He was a prince.
He will truly be missed.
Robert R. Jacobs II
Public Defender 20th Judicial Circuit
Always sad and disturbing to lose a dedicated champion of the cause at such a young age. It was devastating when Craig Barnard passed. Jim will be sorely missed.
Bill White, Jacksonville.
How sad to lose someone so dedicated to our clients. This is a great loss to FPDA. Rosemary Enright, Key West
I am stunned. Words cannot express my sadness and deep sense of loss. I will miss him and his leadership. Larry Henderson, Orlando
I too am shocked and saddened. My sympathies to all.
Nancy Daniels Public Defender, Tallahassee
Bob DillingerPublic Defender 6th circuit
and one of the co-founders of Life over Death
I was sad to hear of Jim's passing. I feel privileged to have had the chance to
know him and work with him on the Steering Committee. My sympathies to his
family and friends on their loss.
Trish Cashman Orlando
As already noted by so many in this weblog, Jim Slater was a wonderful attorney- but he was an even better man. I was fortunate to work with Jim for 2 1/2 years in Bradenton, and remember well his ability to share his insight, experience, and wisdom with others, no matter how pressing his own workload. He was an inspiration to all who worked with him, and will be sorely missed.
Mike Hope Pinellas Public Defender's Office
I was saddened to hear of Jim's passing. I plan on attending the
service at the Manatee County Courthouse on Friday.
Jim Purdy, Public Defender 7th Judicial Circuit
Our sincere sympathies and great pain with this news. Jim was so quiet about his own circumstances that this illness comes as a real shock. We are feeling your pain and loss, Slater family and PD12 family.
Robert Wesley
Public Defender 9th Judicial Circuit
I too am shocked and saddened. Jim was great person, a tireless advocate and has done a tremendous job as Chairman of the Death Penalty Steering Committee. His contributions to our work and the Florida Public Defender Association will be sorely missed. My condolences to all his friends, co-workers and family.
Austin Maslanik 10th Judicial Circuit
A tremendous loss! Jim was a scholar, a leader, and a great lawyer. He took over the chair of the steering committee at a difficult time. He did a great job. He had great organizational skills and could really run a meeting. He picked up right where Johnny Kearns left off, making a joke at my expense at least once each meeting. It was all in fun. I'll miss him.
Chris Quarles Daytona Beach
I have always been amazed at those who, despite having enormous responsibilities and workloads that would break a mere mortal's back, still find time to offer more, and offer to lead. Jim did that, and he did it astoundingly well...and he did it with kindness, compassion, and extraordinary intelligence. I never had the honor of watching him practice in a court of law, but I wish like hell I had. I did get to see him lead though, and I got to know him. For that, I am extremely grateful.
William Miller, 5th Judicial Circuit
I was saddened upon learning of Jim's death. He will be missed. His dedication, enthusiasm, and positive view was contagious. A conversation with Jim was always an upbeat experience for me. I have been privileged to call him a colleague and friend.
Bill McLain Tallahassee
That is terrible news. I have known him over 25 years. He was a prince.
He will truly be missed.
Robert R. Jacobs II
Public Defender 20th Judicial Circuit
Always sad and disturbing to lose a dedicated champion of the cause at such a young age. It was devastating when Craig Barnard passed. Jim will be sorely missed.
Bill White, Jacksonville.
How sad to lose someone so dedicated to our clients. This is a great loss to FPDA. Rosemary Enright, Key West
I am stunned. Words cannot express my sadness and deep sense of loss. I will miss him and his leadership. Larry Henderson, Orlando
I too am shocked and saddened. My sympathies to all.
Nancy Daniels Public Defender, Tallahassee
Thursday, May 26, 2005
DeSoto County
I first met Jim and Rick in 1973 when they were rookie misdemeanor prosecutors at the State Attorney’s Office in Sarasota, where they sometimes practiced in front of my dad. Ed was so impressed with the both of them that he and Margaret used to include and invite them to the judges parties at our house. Later on I did two tours of duty in the Bradenton office with Jim as my supervisor and leader--NO question he was the best at both. Old friend, great boss, brilliant lawyer who made all of us better people----I echo the tribute that we have lost the heart and soul of the fighting 12th.
Drew Cummer
Drew Cummer
Manatee County
Jim Slater sat in on my first felony trial, a Sale of Cocaine case
before Judge Smith. I remember him telling me to stand up and object, which I did, and was then promptly overruled. The point Jim was making was that we all need to stand up and fight to protect our rights. We will lose some battles, but we should never surrender, and he never did. Anyway, we got a ten minute Not Guilty verdict on that Good Friday, March 24th, 1989, and I will never forget what he taught me.
David Ehlers
Many days have passed since your death and it is still hard to believe that you'll never walk through the Public Defender's doors again. I will miss you yelling for Schaefer and walking on "Jim Patrol" but mostly I'll miss your voice. It's hard to believe you can work in one place for 17 years and become so accustom to your co-workers comings and goings that sometimes you just forget to listen. You will truly be missed by all and will never be replaced by none. See you in the world to come.
Vicki Woehle
We are all still in such shock. Reading the thoughts shared here about Jim just echo my feelings. We have lost a dedicated legal champion, an excellent teacher and mentor, a great gentleman and a true friend. Our pain and sense of loss is beyond belief.
I first met Jim when assigned to go to the Bradenton office to assist both him and Elliott on the Heather Ciambrone case. Since that first case, Jim and I struggled to keep each other sane as we grappled with thousands of details, facts, witnesses and pieces of evidence from that and other huge cases like Joey DelToro and Larry Parks. His faith in my ability to be his “detail person” truly inspired me to succeed and work ever harder to do a good job for him. For years I’ve worked with attorneys from all across the country and never before, have I met someone with the amazing ability to keep so many balls juggling in the air at one time and keep so many people not just busy, but productive. And he did it the whole time never once forgetting that we are all individuals with our own feelings, problems, and ideas and he always made time to talk and share a laugh and encourage each member of his staff.
I’ve learned so much from working with Jim in these last few years and feel truly honored to have been a part of his defense team. He and I both shared a love of gadgets and he was always so excited to show me his new and latest toy. In fact, the last time we spoke he had finally decided to buy that little blue Lexus convertible he's had his eye on for so long now...
Rest in peace Jim, you’ve been a good friend and will be loved and missed always.
Nancy Smith (aka - Slater’s redhead)
Tom Beach wrote:
In memory of Jim:I'll forever remember my first months in felonies. Jim assigned me to take over a case load from Schaefer. Specifically, I had the rare opportunity of one on one training from Steven. One day, we were in Schaefer's office, perhaps, working on our golf swing, arguing with Eger about any and every conceivable topic, and/or the law. Be that as it may. Jim came into the office, threw a few barbs in Schaefer's direction (completely unrelated to anything we were doing), to which Schaefer, not to be out done, criticized Jim's shirt and ability to use an iron (how Schaeferesk), finally Jim said, "I can see putting Beach in Schaefer's hands is going to be a huge mistake." Everyone laughed. Jim, I will truly miss you!
Jennifer Fury said...
I worked with Jim for the first time on the Heather Ciambrone case. His faith in me, this new felony attorney from Virginia, was an honor. He never worried about me, or asked if I could handle it. He just assumed I was up to the task and gave me work to do. But that was Jim. Class act. Always. I was standing in his office this morning and it was almost too much to bear. He was so "there", in the room still. His presence, his endless energy, his creative view of cases and life. And as I sit here now, I can almost hear his distinctive laugh down the hallway, laughing at Schaefer or something Larry said.This profession has lost a scholar,this community has lost a true advocate,this office has lost a damn fine lawyer,and we all have lost an incredibly fine and honorable human being.
I am so sorry about the loss of Jim. He was a great boss and a wonderful friend. He meant so much to me. I am deeply hurt. I will never forget him. My deepest sympathy to the family and to the public defenders office. God bless everybody.
Agnes Owen, Public Defenders office in Manatee County.
Katie Trefrey wrote:
I sit at my desk in disbelief regarding the news of Jim. The stunning sensation of his loss has overwhelmed this office leaving behind a tremendous void . His high energy, enthusiasm and compassion will be sorely missed. Most often throughout the day Jim monitored the hallway and could be heard from afar joking and laughing! I truly hope he knows that his PD family will forever miss him.
Cheryl Odle-Speed said...
In memory of Jim:
Jim's passing has devastated so many people and is such a great loss. The last couple of days have been been extremely hard for all of us @ the Public Defender's Office.
I have so many good memories of Jim. He was a great person to be around and he and I were always harassing each other. I felt very comfortable around Jim. He would listen to me and at least consider what I had to say.
Jim was not only my boss but a very good friend. Woodie and I boated with Jim in the Keys for 18 days last summer and it was the best time we have ever had there. We toasted to good friends from the back of our boat and that is truly what he was.
Jim trusted me with some projects that I was not sure I could accomplish but, he had faith in me and that faith helped me to succeed.
I can't even begin to express what Jim meant to me and oh! How I will miss him. I have known him for 16 years and I feel extremely blessed to have been his friend.
The office will never be the same and the void will be great.
The candy fund will for sure suffer, ha!
Hats off to you, Jim
Cheryl Odle-Speed
Cyndi Smith said...
Jim - I truly loved working with you. I learned so much working with such a great leader that you were. You were like a father figure to me also, showing me so much compassion at times when I had problems of my own. You were a true friend. This office will never be the same without you. I will always miss you calling me "Cyn" in your sweet way and your cute little sing-song-ey voice when you were being funny or wanted to ask a special favor. Don't think for one minute that we won't be thinking about you on a daily basis and saying to ourselves "how would Jim want us to do this - ?" As my tears are flowing now trying to write this, I will close by saying you will be forever loved and missed. I love you, Cyndi, your Legal Assistant.
Terry Remijio said...
Jim, I've had the pleasure of working alongside you for so many years, yet now as it has abruptly ended it wasn't long enough.
I thank you for your kindness, your generosity. I thank you for your compassion during my own bout of cancer. I thank you for your levity getting me through those difficult depositions. I thank you for your patience during the times I couldn't hold it in.
You will be missed by many for a very long time. I can only hope your stay in Heaven is surrounded by chocolate, because only then will I know for sure you are well taken care of.
I will miss you more than you will ever know.
Jim, it is so difficult for me to speak of you in the past tense. You have been my mentor, leader, and friend. I have worked closely with Jim for well over a decade investigating our death penalty cases. Jim was an excellent trial lawyer and master strategist. Jimm sincerely cared about the overall welfare of our clients and made sure we did too. What will be do without you Jim?
We'll miss you monitoring the halls every morning and afternoon. We called it the "Jim Patrol". Jim would literally peek his head into every office, making sure the troops were at their work stations ready to man their posts for the day. I'll miss the magical ring in your voice when you slowly pronounced every syllable of my name. I won't forget how you ended up with the Cheetah Head and Steven's Thor hat at last years Christmas Round Robin - funny sight! I will never forget how you stretched us and prodded us to becoming bonafide professionals of our crafts. You have left behind a legacy of excellence.
In between winning the Parks sexual battery case and trying the murder case, those in the criminal justice labled us the "Dream Team". We have been a good and cohesive defense team but only because you were at the helm. There is now an empty seat at the table. Who will bring the roasted almonds and cashews - Steven?
We are all falling apart now, deeply grieved over our loss. It's a devastating blow but we shall recover. Davis is still taking very good care of us, like always. Enjoy the journey my friend and rest assured that we'll keep your legacy alive. We will be mindful of the things for which you had a passion. Thank you Jim for making us all feel that we were a viable, necessary, and important part of the greater work. I love you Jim and we'll see you later!
Beverly Powell
before Judge Smith. I remember him telling me to stand up and object, which I did, and was then promptly overruled. The point Jim was making was that we all need to stand up and fight to protect our rights. We will lose some battles, but we should never surrender, and he never did. Anyway, we got a ten minute Not Guilty verdict on that Good Friday, March 24th, 1989, and I will never forget what he taught me.
David Ehlers
Many days have passed since your death and it is still hard to believe that you'll never walk through the Public Defender's doors again. I will miss you yelling for Schaefer and walking on "Jim Patrol" but mostly I'll miss your voice. It's hard to believe you can work in one place for 17 years and become so accustom to your co-workers comings and goings that sometimes you just forget to listen. You will truly be missed by all and will never be replaced by none. See you in the world to come.
Vicki Woehle
We are all still in such shock. Reading the thoughts shared here about Jim just echo my feelings. We have lost a dedicated legal champion, an excellent teacher and mentor, a great gentleman and a true friend. Our pain and sense of loss is beyond belief.
I first met Jim when assigned to go to the Bradenton office to assist both him and Elliott on the Heather Ciambrone case. Since that first case, Jim and I struggled to keep each other sane as we grappled with thousands of details, facts, witnesses and pieces of evidence from that and other huge cases like Joey DelToro and Larry Parks. His faith in my ability to be his “detail person” truly inspired me to succeed and work ever harder to do a good job for him. For years I’ve worked with attorneys from all across the country and never before, have I met someone with the amazing ability to keep so many balls juggling in the air at one time and keep so many people not just busy, but productive. And he did it the whole time never once forgetting that we are all individuals with our own feelings, problems, and ideas and he always made time to talk and share a laugh and encourage each member of his staff.
I’ve learned so much from working with Jim in these last few years and feel truly honored to have been a part of his defense team. He and I both shared a love of gadgets and he was always so excited to show me his new and latest toy. In fact, the last time we spoke he had finally decided to buy that little blue Lexus convertible he's had his eye on for so long now...
Rest in peace Jim, you’ve been a good friend and will be loved and missed always.
Nancy Smith (aka - Slater’s redhead)
Tom Beach wrote:
In memory of Jim:I'll forever remember my first months in felonies. Jim assigned me to take over a case load from Schaefer. Specifically, I had the rare opportunity of one on one training from Steven. One day, we were in Schaefer's office, perhaps, working on our golf swing, arguing with Eger about any and every conceivable topic, and/or the law. Be that as it may. Jim came into the office, threw a few barbs in Schaefer's direction (completely unrelated to anything we were doing), to which Schaefer, not to be out done, criticized Jim's shirt and ability to use an iron (how Schaeferesk), finally Jim said, "I can see putting Beach in Schaefer's hands is going to be a huge mistake." Everyone laughed. Jim, I will truly miss you!
Jennifer Fury said...
I worked with Jim for the first time on the Heather Ciambrone case. His faith in me, this new felony attorney from Virginia, was an honor. He never worried about me, or asked if I could handle it. He just assumed I was up to the task and gave me work to do. But that was Jim. Class act. Always. I was standing in his office this morning and it was almost too much to bear. He was so "there", in the room still. His presence, his endless energy, his creative view of cases and life. And as I sit here now, I can almost hear his distinctive laugh down the hallway, laughing at Schaefer or something Larry said.This profession has lost a scholar,this community has lost a true advocate,this office has lost a damn fine lawyer,and we all have lost an incredibly fine and honorable human being.
I am so sorry about the loss of Jim. He was a great boss and a wonderful friend. He meant so much to me. I am deeply hurt. I will never forget him. My deepest sympathy to the family and to the public defenders office. God bless everybody.
Agnes Owen, Public Defenders office in Manatee County.
Katie Trefrey wrote:
I sit at my desk in disbelief regarding the news of Jim. The stunning sensation of his loss has overwhelmed this office leaving behind a tremendous void . His high energy, enthusiasm and compassion will be sorely missed. Most often throughout the day Jim monitored the hallway and could be heard from afar joking and laughing! I truly hope he knows that his PD family will forever miss him.
Cheryl Odle-Speed said...
In memory of Jim:
Jim's passing has devastated so many people and is such a great loss. The last couple of days have been been extremely hard for all of us @ the Public Defender's Office.
I have so many good memories of Jim. He was a great person to be around and he and I were always harassing each other. I felt very comfortable around Jim. He would listen to me and at least consider what I had to say.
Jim was not only my boss but a very good friend. Woodie and I boated with Jim in the Keys for 18 days last summer and it was the best time we have ever had there. We toasted to good friends from the back of our boat and that is truly what he was.
Jim trusted me with some projects that I was not sure I could accomplish but, he had faith in me and that faith helped me to succeed.
I can't even begin to express what Jim meant to me and oh! How I will miss him. I have known him for 16 years and I feel extremely blessed to have been his friend.
The office will never be the same and the void will be great.
The candy fund will for sure suffer, ha!
Hats off to you, Jim
Cheryl Odle-Speed
Cyndi Smith said...
Jim - I truly loved working with you. I learned so much working with such a great leader that you were. You were like a father figure to me also, showing me so much compassion at times when I had problems of my own. You were a true friend. This office will never be the same without you. I will always miss you calling me "Cyn" in your sweet way and your cute little sing-song-ey voice when you were being funny or wanted to ask a special favor. Don't think for one minute that we won't be thinking about you on a daily basis and saying to ourselves "how would Jim want us to do this - ?" As my tears are flowing now trying to write this, I will close by saying you will be forever loved and missed. I love you, Cyndi, your Legal Assistant.
Terry Remijio said...
Jim, I've had the pleasure of working alongside you for so many years, yet now as it has abruptly ended it wasn't long enough.
I thank you for your kindness, your generosity. I thank you for your compassion during my own bout of cancer. I thank you for your levity getting me through those difficult depositions. I thank you for your patience during the times I couldn't hold it in.
You will be missed by many for a very long time. I can only hope your stay in Heaven is surrounded by chocolate, because only then will I know for sure you are well taken care of.
I will miss you more than you will ever know.
Jim, it is so difficult for me to speak of you in the past tense. You have been my mentor, leader, and friend. I have worked closely with Jim for well over a decade investigating our death penalty cases. Jim was an excellent trial lawyer and master strategist. Jimm sincerely cared about the overall welfare of our clients and made sure we did too. What will be do without you Jim?
We'll miss you monitoring the halls every morning and afternoon. We called it the "Jim Patrol". Jim would literally peek his head into every office, making sure the troops were at their work stations ready to man their posts for the day. I'll miss the magical ring in your voice when you slowly pronounced every syllable of my name. I won't forget how you ended up with the Cheetah Head and Steven's Thor hat at last years Christmas Round Robin - funny sight! I will never forget how you stretched us and prodded us to becoming bonafide professionals of our crafts. You have left behind a legacy of excellence.
In between winning the Parks sexual battery case and trying the murder case, those in the criminal justice labled us the "Dream Team". We have been a good and cohesive defense team but only because you were at the helm. There is now an empty seat at the table. Who will bring the roasted almonds and cashews - Steven?
We are all falling apart now, deeply grieved over our loss. It's a devastating blow but we shall recover. Davis is still taking very good care of us, like always. Enjoy the journey my friend and rest assured that we'll keep your legacy alive. We will be mindful of the things for which you had a passion. Thank you Jim for making us all feel that we were a viable, necessary, and important part of the greater work. I love you Jim and we'll see you later!
Beverly Powell
Sarasota County
In memory of Jim Slater... I met Jim in 2005 when I came on board at the Sarasota Office on a job transfer from Hillsborough County, Fl. Jim not only was a kind, warm human being, but above and beyond everything else, he treated his coworkers with great "humility". I will never forget you Jim and I know you have left us, but you left us your "spirt" and enthusiam and that will live on in our hearts; enriching us forever. I send my deepest sympathies to not only his very close family but co-worker/friends; that will have an "empty" feeling without him.
April Strouse
When I heard the news of Jim's passing, I, like many experienced a great since of loss. While I only worked with Jim for about 5 years, I felt like I knew him a lot longer. Jim loved technology and that was my area. He always kept me on my toes when it came to his "toys". But, that was what I like most about Jim. He was always one to step out on the edge and try something new.
Jim and I once traveled to a conference in LA. It was Jim who took me to see Beverly Hills, the Hollywood sign and Malibu beach. I am truly grateful for his friendship and the challenges he always threw my way... almost daily.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Jim's co-workers. He will truly be missed.
Kevin Billingsley
It is absolutely heartbreaking to realize we have lost Jim Slater in our lives. His was a presence never to be forgotten by anyone who knew him. He was an "up", cheerful, smiling, joking friend to us, except perhaps during a trial when he became a single-minded serious legal machine intensely determined to give his all to those who needed him so desperately.
I've known Jim since 1980 when I first began working for the Public Defender Office. He became someone I worked with often, admired greatly, respected completely, and enjoyed tremendously, absolutely one of my most favorite people in this world. My contact was lessened by my retirement in 2002, but continued from time to time, and it was only a matter of weeks ago that I last heard that cheerful voice... "Hi, Landa-Panda, how's the good life going for you?" Well, Jim, life won't be near as good without you. I will miss you dearly.
Landa Betts
I have known Jim since I came to work at the Public Defender's Office 25 years ago. He was so kind to "the new kid on the block". I was brand new there and he made me feel so welcome. No matter what you did, he never raised his voice to the staff. He treated each and every one of us with dignity, courtesy, compassion and respect. We were all the same in his eyes. The new employees were treated with the same respect as the seasoned ones. And that applies to both attorneys and support staff. It seemed that he had a keen awareness that allowed him to know when you were feeling down and he would take an extra few minutes to say hello or simply to pass the time of day. When I was going through my divorce, he was ever so kind and specially selected an attorney for me. Of course, someone he trusted. What a huge relief it was to know that he cared enough to make sure I was taken care of. When my son was applying to college, he took the time to write letters that helped open some doors for Jamie as well. Jim was a great giver of himself. That is a quality that is so rare. Not only did he dole out advice on legal issues, but he was so level-headed about life in general and you simply could not help getting caught up in his enthusiasm about anything. He cared deeply for his friends and very deeply for his clients. I can't even count the times I have seen him put his hand on a mother's arm or give a father a word of encouragement when he must have known that his client was not going to fare well in court. Not to mention the countless ties he tied for clients who didn't know how to do it themselves. I have known him to reach deep into his own pockets to see that his clients were properly attired for court. Not fancy but that they had what they needed. The biggest thing is that Jim truly cared. He cared for us all. And he would listen to us. No matter how trivial our complaints or concerns, he always took the time to listen. Even if he did not agree with you he would take the time to listen. I can remember years ago when we were still in the little house on Main Street and his secretary, Patty, was on vacation. Jim went in his office and was dictating away on his machine. A few minutes later, there he was in the midst of the secretaries, typing is own letters. No matter how small your function was in the office, he always made sure you felt important. And he was fair. As chief assistant in a busy office, the decisions he made were carefully thought out and I am sure they were not easy decisions to make.
I owe him so much. I am deeply saddened that I never go the chance to tell him. Our office has lost a great presence. It will not be the same without him. I will miss hearing the click of the keyboard "over the wall" when he was in Sarasota. He would always ask what was new and how Jamie was. I will continue to hear him call..."Louey, why can't I get my e-mail from Bradenton? I hope he will look down on us all and keep us safe. It is comforting to know that there is a very special Angel up there to help us.
Lou Barichivich, Sarasota Office
For Jimmy, on his new boat....
and for all of us who grieve his loss, he would have had this to say:
Crossing the Bar by Alfred Lord Tennyson
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea.
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home!
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For though from out our bourn of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.
Kate Kirwin
We've all suffered an unbelievable loss not only to us but to his clients. A dedicated man that gave everything for the cause. I've known Jim since 1981, from the Clerk's Office and then in 1987, I came to the PD'S Office and got to know him a lot better. He had a love for life, enjoyed his boat, motorcycle, his dog, loved to travel & loved all of his toys! He will be deeply missed by all.
With Deepest Sympathy, Maryanne Conlan
Jim and I didn't spend very much time together "in person" but boy-oh-boy, did we ever spend a lot of phone time! My duties here as Elliott and Tobey's secretary include a ton of phone calls ... a lot of which are not really pleasant experiences. However, every time I would answer the phone and hear Jim's voice (almost daily) I would smile. Even when he was calling to gripe about something, he was always entertaining and made me laugh. He had such a great sense of humor! I will miss him every day! My heart goes out to our Bradenton office. I can't imagine that place without Jim! God bless him! Teri Olson
Adam Tebrugge writes:
I first met Jim Slater in 1984 when I came to work for the Public Defender's Office. He was an extremely smart and hard-working attorney. Jim was lead defense counsel on a number of important cases, including Jose Del Torro and Larry Parks. In the case of Florida v. Daniel Wortham, Jim helped pioneer the use of PET scans of the brain in capital cases. For the past several years Jim has been chair of the death penalty steering committee of the Florida Public Defender Association. He was responsible for the success of the 2003 Life Over Death conference in Orlando that attracted over five hundred participants. In 2004 he kept the conference together despite two recent hurricanes and the imminent threat of a third. For once he was the calm in the eye of the storm, as opposed to the storm in the eye of the calm!
In addition to being a great lawyer, Jim was a wonderful friend to many people throughout this circuit, this state, and this country. He will be missed.
Dan Dannheisser said...
Unbelievable ! I am so sorry to hear this. Jim was a tremendous person- a class guy and a great attorney. His death is a loss to everyone. This is very sad news indeed !
I met Jim when I started working in the Misdemeanor Division at the Bradenton office in 1998. Although I had worked at the Clerk's office previously, I didn't really have a lot of experience with office work. Jim assured me that "There wasn't anything that I could mess up that couldn't be fixed." With his confidence in my ability, I set out to handle anything that came my way. I didn't realize that that would be in the form of six attorney's at once, but with his confidence in me and his undying loyalty to his staff, he made it work. He would come by my desk every afternoon to see if I was ok and to pass on some tidbit of information, which was usually in the form of a funny story that always made me laugh.
Jim always had a ready smile and kind word and although his job was demanding, he never let it show when it got to him. I feel blessed to have been lucky enough to have known such a wonderful person and he will be surely missed. My condolences to the staff at the Public Defender's office in both Sarasota and Bradenton. I know how you all loved him and will miss him.
Shannon Zielinski
To all close friends and colleagues of Jim: Please accept my heartfelt sympathy at his untimely illness and death. I know his passionate defense of those facing the ultimate penalty took years from Jim’s life. He left a profound legacy.
Susan Chapman
April Strouse
When I heard the news of Jim's passing, I, like many experienced a great since of loss. While I only worked with Jim for about 5 years, I felt like I knew him a lot longer. Jim loved technology and that was my area. He always kept me on my toes when it came to his "toys". But, that was what I like most about Jim. He was always one to step out on the edge and try something new.
Jim and I once traveled to a conference in LA. It was Jim who took me to see Beverly Hills, the Hollywood sign and Malibu beach. I am truly grateful for his friendship and the challenges he always threw my way... almost daily.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Jim's co-workers. He will truly be missed.
Kevin Billingsley
It is absolutely heartbreaking to realize we have lost Jim Slater in our lives. His was a presence never to be forgotten by anyone who knew him. He was an "up", cheerful, smiling, joking friend to us, except perhaps during a trial when he became a single-minded serious legal machine intensely determined to give his all to those who needed him so desperately.
I've known Jim since 1980 when I first began working for the Public Defender Office. He became someone I worked with often, admired greatly, respected completely, and enjoyed tremendously, absolutely one of my most favorite people in this world. My contact was lessened by my retirement in 2002, but continued from time to time, and it was only a matter of weeks ago that I last heard that cheerful voice... "Hi, Landa-Panda, how's the good life going for you?" Well, Jim, life won't be near as good without you. I will miss you dearly.
Landa Betts
I have known Jim since I came to work at the Public Defender's Office 25 years ago. He was so kind to "the new kid on the block". I was brand new there and he made me feel so welcome. No matter what you did, he never raised his voice to the staff. He treated each and every one of us with dignity, courtesy, compassion and respect. We were all the same in his eyes. The new employees were treated with the same respect as the seasoned ones. And that applies to both attorneys and support staff. It seemed that he had a keen awareness that allowed him to know when you were feeling down and he would take an extra few minutes to say hello or simply to pass the time of day. When I was going through my divorce, he was ever so kind and specially selected an attorney for me. Of course, someone he trusted. What a huge relief it was to know that he cared enough to make sure I was taken care of. When my son was applying to college, he took the time to write letters that helped open some doors for Jamie as well. Jim was a great giver of himself. That is a quality that is so rare. Not only did he dole out advice on legal issues, but he was so level-headed about life in general and you simply could not help getting caught up in his enthusiasm about anything. He cared deeply for his friends and very deeply for his clients. I can't even count the times I have seen him put his hand on a mother's arm or give a father a word of encouragement when he must have known that his client was not going to fare well in court. Not to mention the countless ties he tied for clients who didn't know how to do it themselves. I have known him to reach deep into his own pockets to see that his clients were properly attired for court. Not fancy but that they had what they needed. The biggest thing is that Jim truly cared. He cared for us all. And he would listen to us. No matter how trivial our complaints or concerns, he always took the time to listen. Even if he did not agree with you he would take the time to listen. I can remember years ago when we were still in the little house on Main Street and his secretary, Patty, was on vacation. Jim went in his office and was dictating away on his machine. A few minutes later, there he was in the midst of the secretaries, typing is own letters. No matter how small your function was in the office, he always made sure you felt important. And he was fair. As chief assistant in a busy office, the decisions he made were carefully thought out and I am sure they were not easy decisions to make.
I owe him so much. I am deeply saddened that I never go the chance to tell him. Our office has lost a great presence. It will not be the same without him. I will miss hearing the click of the keyboard "over the wall" when he was in Sarasota. He would always ask what was new and how Jamie was. I will continue to hear him call..."Louey, why can't I get my e-mail from Bradenton? I hope he will look down on us all and keep us safe. It is comforting to know that there is a very special Angel up there to help us.
Lou Barichivich, Sarasota Office
For Jimmy, on his new boat....
and for all of us who grieve his loss, he would have had this to say:
Crossing the Bar by Alfred Lord Tennyson
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea.
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home!
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For though from out our bourn of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.
Kate Kirwin
We've all suffered an unbelievable loss not only to us but to his clients. A dedicated man that gave everything for the cause. I've known Jim since 1981, from the Clerk's Office and then in 1987, I came to the PD'S Office and got to know him a lot better. He had a love for life, enjoyed his boat, motorcycle, his dog, loved to travel & loved all of his toys! He will be deeply missed by all.
With Deepest Sympathy, Maryanne Conlan
Jim and I didn't spend very much time together "in person" but boy-oh-boy, did we ever spend a lot of phone time! My duties here as Elliott and Tobey's secretary include a ton of phone calls ... a lot of which are not really pleasant experiences. However, every time I would answer the phone and hear Jim's voice (almost daily) I would smile. Even when he was calling to gripe about something, he was always entertaining and made me laugh. He had such a great sense of humor! I will miss him every day! My heart goes out to our Bradenton office. I can't imagine that place without Jim! God bless him! Teri Olson
Adam Tebrugge writes:
I first met Jim Slater in 1984 when I came to work for the Public Defender's Office. He was an extremely smart and hard-working attorney. Jim was lead defense counsel on a number of important cases, including Jose Del Torro and Larry Parks. In the case of Florida v. Daniel Wortham, Jim helped pioneer the use of PET scans of the brain in capital cases. For the past several years Jim has been chair of the death penalty steering committee of the Florida Public Defender Association. He was responsible for the success of the 2003 Life Over Death conference in Orlando that attracted over five hundred participants. In 2004 he kept the conference together despite two recent hurricanes and the imminent threat of a third. For once he was the calm in the eye of the storm, as opposed to the storm in the eye of the calm!
In addition to being a great lawyer, Jim was a wonderful friend to many people throughout this circuit, this state, and this country. He will be missed.
Dan Dannheisser said...
Unbelievable ! I am so sorry to hear this. Jim was a tremendous person- a class guy and a great attorney. His death is a loss to everyone. This is very sad news indeed !
I met Jim when I started working in the Misdemeanor Division at the Bradenton office in 1998. Although I had worked at the Clerk's office previously, I didn't really have a lot of experience with office work. Jim assured me that "There wasn't anything that I could mess up that couldn't be fixed." With his confidence in my ability, I set out to handle anything that came my way. I didn't realize that that would be in the form of six attorney's at once, but with his confidence in me and his undying loyalty to his staff, he made it work. He would come by my desk every afternoon to see if I was ok and to pass on some tidbit of information, which was usually in the form of a funny story that always made me laugh.
Jim always had a ready smile and kind word and although his job was demanding, he never let it show when it got to him. I feel blessed to have been lucky enough to have known such a wonderful person and he will be surely missed. My condolences to the staff at the Public Defender's office in both Sarasota and Bradenton. I know how you all loved him and will miss him.
Shannon Zielinski
To all close friends and colleagues of Jim: Please accept my heartfelt sympathy at his untimely illness and death. I know his passionate defense of those facing the ultimate penalty took years from Jim’s life. He left a profound legacy.
Susan Chapman
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