From: Chuck Wilt, retired director of the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department
The Villages, Florida
I am writing this letter concerning the recent passing of Jim Lloyd, who served for 19 years as a member of the Columbus Parks and Recreation Board through the late 1990s. Jim was a member of the Park Board and served several times as president during this period. He was also instrumental in helping to establish the Columbus Park Foundation in 1990 and served as its first president.
Jim was an outstanding board member and was well respected by me, the staff and the Columbus community He gave freely of his time to the board and the staff to help the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department to become nationally known. He along with Chap Blackwell III, Ron Reinking and Page Gifford were honored with the National Recreation and Park Association Outstanding Park Board Award in 1990. Later, in 1995, the department was honored with the National Park and Recreation Gold Medal Award for outstanding management.
Jim’s work as a member of the Parks and Recreation Board has had a lasting impact on those board members who have followed him. Columbus continues to be a top-notch parks and recreation department with the highest quality staff and Park Board members who seek the best for the community. His legacy in helping to start the Columbus Park Foundation has paid big dividends with the raising of millions of non-tax dollars for such projects as Mill Race Park, People Trails, etc.
Jim was always there for me as a Park Board member to counsel with and share his wisdom and business advice. He was most importantly a good friend and Christian brother in Jesus Christ.
My prayers go out to Jim’s wife, Mary, and family for God’s comfort and peace.
