Jim D. Syprett

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of attorney Jim D. Syprett. He passed away peacefully in the arms of his beloved wife, Charlie Ann Syprett, on September 13, 2025. Jim was born in Clarksville, Tennessee, on June 11, 1941, to Dennie and Evelyn Syprett. He spent summers with his friends and family on the Cumberland River where he discovered his lifelong passion for the water. After earning his undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University in 1963 and his law degree from the University of Florida in 1965, he moved to Sarasota. He began his fabled legal career with the Law Offices of Dick Lee. In 1968 he and John W. Meshad co-founded the Syprett Meshad Law Firm which proudly carries on his legacy of excellence in the practice of law today. He was a natural in the Courtroom – a charming southern accent, a gifted and prolific storyteller, and an unequaled command of the law and the details of his case – all which made him a formidable, but respected foe. A “lawyer’s lawyer,” Jim’s work ethic was legendary. His integrity, dedication and warm nature earned him the respect of all who worked with him. His colleagues and clients loved him, his opponents revered him, and the judges admired him. He also served as a mentor to many young lawyers throughout the Bar and was a most trusted and reliable colleague to the lawyers in his firm. In 2023, the Senior Counsel of Sarasota County presented Jim with the Esteemed Colleague Award. Jim firmly believed in service to our community. He was a long time advocate for the Family Counseling Center and the Cancer Support Community. He often counseled and comforted men diagnosed with prostate cancer. He served on the Board of the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation for over ten years and was elected as its president for three terms. He played an integral role in transitioning the Foundation to the dynamic organization that it is today. He was most proud of his part in planning the new state of the art Jellison Cancer Institute. His commitment to SMHF earned him the admiration of fellow board members, and hospital administration. Jim’s greatest passion, however, was his family. He was a most loving husband, devoted father of two treasured sons and an adoring grandfather to four beautiful grandchildren. He met and married Charlie Ann, the love of his life in 1995. Theirs was a love story for the history books; loving each other fiercely and unconditionally until the very end. Together they lived life to the fullest, riding Harleys, exploring the waters on Jim’s beloved trawler Blue Heaven, and traveling throughout the world. One of Jim’s most cherished memories was his captaining Blue Heaven with Charlie Ann as his first mate into the Atlantic Ocean with no land in sight, just the two of them, for days. Jim was kind, generous, and accepting of others regardless of their background and circumstances. He was a true Southern Gentleman with a quick wit and relaxing manner. All who met him felt immediately comfortable and welcome in his presence. He was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him or working with him. His journey on this earth and the impact he had on those in the community was marked by love, compassion and an unwavering faith and belief in the potential of others. He often expressed his wish that others practice more kindness. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Charlie Ann, his sons Troy D. Syprett and Todd D. Syprett, his four precious grandchildren, Alexa, Jameson, Cameron and Reagan and his loyal Boston Terriers, Stella and Olive. The family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to his loyal and compassionate caregivers Richard Cassarino and Chris and Katrina Gittens. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on October 7th at 5:30PM at the Sarasota Yacht Club. An rsvp to 941-780-6740 or to quailcovey@aol.com will be appreciated but not necessary. Jim wrote in his instructions to his wife: “It is my sincere hope that all who attend my service celebrate the good life that I have lived. I enjoyed nearly every day and as for those that I did not enjoy, I decided many years ago to forget and forgive. I had fun and I will be watching!” In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jim’s memory to the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, 1515 S. Osprey Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34239 or smhf.org.

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Jim D. Syprett

June 11, 1941 - September 13, 2025