James Wesley Loner

Mr. James Wesley Loner, former Mayor of Green Cove Springs, died Wednesday, September 27th in his home.

James, or “Jim”,  as affectionately known to by his friends and family, was born December 31, 1931 in Atlanta, GA to John Leonard Loner and Ruth R. Thomason. Jim grew up in Atlanta playing baseball and had been invited to tryout with the St. Louis Cardinals. The day after his Major League Baseball tryouts, he was drafted into the US Navy at the age of 19. During his four years of service in the Navy, he was stationed in Green Cove Springs and made tours to the Mediterranean Sea. In addition, he played catcher for the Navy’s baseball team.

In 1951, while visiting St. Augustine, Jim met the love of his life, Eleanor Prevatt Loner. They were married December 2, 1952 and spent the next 68 years loving each other and raising their three daughters, Denise, Joy, and Robyn and one son Steve. Jim has always considered Green Cove Springs as his home and took great pride in the town’s  development. Jim was a member of Green Cove Springs City Council from 1991-2004. He also served two terms as the Mayor of Green Cove Springs. In addition to his love of city government, he was also an avid golfer who often bragged about never needing a handicap. He spent a great deal of time golfing with his best friends Frank Cox, Charles Todd, and Doc Turner at Reynolds Golf Course. He could also be found discussing numerous topics with his other best friend, Al Ivey while sitting in Al’s garage. Coaching was another passion of Jim’s as he spent numerous years on the softball field coaching a women’s softball team out of Green Cove. The Spirits/Punks traveled all over Florida competing in slow pitch tournaments where they made several appearances at the Florida State Finals. Jim and Eleanor’s house was always open to all of his players because he saw each one as a member of his family. Later in life, Jim spent time with his dear friend Sonny Hyatt discussing the good old days while sitting on the front porch.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, three sisters, his wife, Eleanor Prevatt Loner, his daughter Denise Bewley, grandson Wes Loner, and granddaughter Nikki Jolley.  He will be forever missed by his son Steve, daughters Joy and Robyn, his brother John, 3 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. 

A graveside service, with military honors, will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at Hickory Grove Cemetery with Dr. Tim McDaniel officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Nikki’s “Jolley” fund at McRae Elementary.