James W. Aaron

In loving memory of James W. Aaron, Esquire, a dedicated servant of God and a pillar within Highlands County
and the Greater Mount Zion A.M.E. Church community. Born in Sebring, Florida, on April 22, 1948, to the late
Joseph E. and Annie M. Aaron. James peacefully passed away in Sebring, Florida, on April 24th, 2024, after
bravely facing a long illness. James leaves behind a legacy of unwavering devotion to his family, his
community, and his faith in the Almighty.

From an early age, James was deeply influenced by his parents' emphasis on faith and education, principles
that remained central to his life. He grew up as a member of Greater Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, and his passion
for both Jesus Christ and learning never waned. Excelling academically, James graduated as the President and
Valedictorian of the Class of 1966 at E.O. Douglas High School in Sebring, Florida. Later, during his brief time at
Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida, he proudly became a founding member of the university’s
inaugural African American Hellenistic chapter, the Superfine Nine of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity in 1967.

James knew he wanted to be a lawyer from a young age. He pursued this dream diligently, earning a Bachelor
of Arts degree in Political Science from Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, California followed by a
Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from The National Law Center at George Washington University in
Washington, D.C. He fulfilled that dream when he joined The Florida Bar in 1974, followed by the State Bar of
California in 1975. Afterward, he entered the legal field, serving as a Deputy District Attorney at the Alameda
County District Attorney’s Office in California.

James' lifelong aspiration was to give back to his community by opening a law practice in his hometown. In
1979, he returned to Sebring, Florida, and in 1980 became President of Aaron’s Legal Center, P.A., reaching
that goal and making history as the first African American attorney in Highlands County, Florida. He later
moved his office to the city’s historically black Washington Heights district where he grew up, and worked
there until the days before his death.

James was a passionate advocate for justice, equity, and economic development in his community. In 1989,
James co-founded the Virgil Hawkins Bar Association in Polk County, an organization devoted to the
advancement of African Americans in the legal profession. He served as a mentor and ordained chaplain with
the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, Chairman of the Highlands County Democratic Executive
Committee, president of the Washington Heights Business and Professional Association, and president of the
Francisco A. Rodriguez Bar Association of Highlands County Florida. He was a lifetime member of the National
Bar Association and taught legal studies as an adjunct professor at South Florida State College in Avon Park,
Florida.

Family meant the world to James. He married Wanda Taylor Aaron in 1984, in their hometown of Sebring,
Florida. They made the intentional decision to raise their three kids there too, surrounded by relatives from
both sides. James loved spending time with family, attending family reunions, sharing family history, and
taking family trips. As a devoted husband and a constant presence in their children's lives, he imparted upon
them the same reverence for family, faith, and education that had shaped his own journey.

James was a big sports fan, especially basketball and football. He played both during his days at E.O. Douglas
High School. He loved cheering for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Florida A&M University Rattlers, and
you could often find him at events like the Orange Blossom Classic and Florida Classic. James even coached
YMCA basketball in Sebring, leaving his mark on the community he cared so much about.

James's Christian faith was the cornerstone of his life's journey, reflected in his unwavering dedication and
service to the Greater Mount Zion A.M.E. Church. He faithfully served as Sunday School Superintendent for
decades and as a member of the Board of Trustees. Additionally, James held the role of President of the
Lakeland District Chapter of the Sons of Allen, an arm of Christian Fellowship for men in the A.M.E. Church.
James's devotion to his church community was unshakeable, a testament to his profound reverence for God.

Throughout his journey, and throughout his life, he epitomized the wisdom of Psalm 23:4, " Yea, though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they
comfort me." James drew strength from his unwavering faith, finding solace in the presence of God, even
amidst life's most challenging trials, trusting in His divine guidance and protection.

James W. Aaron, Esquire, was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph E. and Annie M. Aaron, brother Rudy
T. Walker and his wife Barbara Walker, brother Robert A. Walker and sister Priscilla G. Aaron. He is survived by
his loving wife, Wanda T. Aaron, their daughter, Kumasi M. Aaron, and their sons, Joseph E. Aaron, III, and
John H. Aaron, IV. James also leaves behind four brothers – Joseph E. Aaron, Jr., Samuel A. Aaron (Debra), M.
Eugene Aaron, Patrick D. Aaron (Glenda); one sister, Ruth A. Mike (Russell), numerous nieces, nephews,
cousins, and a multitude of beloved friends, whose lives were enriched by his grace, wisdom, and love.

As James W. Aaron, Esquire, journeys beyond this earthly realm, we take comfort in knowing that his spirit will
forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him. May his memory continue to guide us, inspiring us to
embody his unwavering faith, selfless service, and boundless love in everything we do.

In lieu of floral tributes, the family kindly requests contributions be made to the Lakeland District 2024 Sons of Allen Scholarship: Dedicated to the Memory of James W. Aaron, Esquire

Established by James Aaron and the Sons of Allen in 2010, this scholarship celebrates his deep affection for the organization, his unwavering commitment to education and will benefit a deserving student.

Please send contributions to: Lakeland District Sons of Allen P.o. Box 42 Fort Meade, Florida 33841

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