Dr. James Augustus Joyner
1942-2015
by Jeanine Ferguson
Born in Jacksonville, Florida, on December 20, 1942, Dr. Joyner attended the local public schools and graduated from New Stanton Senior High School and later Florida A&M University. He worked as a pharmacist in Jacksonville, Atlanta, and Chicago before attending and subsequently graduating from the Medical College of Georgia in 1975. He became Boarded in Obstetrics and Gynecology and practiced in Jacksonville for many years. He later relocated his practice to St. Augustine where he served as Chief of Obstetrics at Flagler Hospital.
When Dr. Joyner took the oath of his profession, he seriously regarded his promise to “preserve the finest traditions of my calling . . . and long experience the joy of healing those who seek my help.” Driven by a higher reason and a probing intellect, he constantly embraced and explored new vistas, which he was always eager to share with others. Thus, he was known in Jacksonville and St. Augustine for the compassion and assistance that he gave to needy patients and their families. He was also a caring mentor to a number of health professionals who were eager to receive wise counsel from him.
A steadfast exemplar of his Faith, Dr. Joyner grew up in Bethel Baptist Institutional Church, the oldest Baptist Congregation in Jacksonville, Florida, and remained a loyal member until his death. He also served in the United States Army in the late 1960’s and was a member of a number of significant boards, committees, councils, and organizations.
Most memorable, however, is that Dr. Joyner was a boating enthusiast who frequently sailed with friends and family on his boat “The Diamond” across Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway. He lived by the words: “Take me to the ocean, let me sail the open sea, to breathe the warm salty air, and dream of things to be.”
Dr. Joyner was married to Carolyn Johnson for 47 years, and they have one son, Dr. James Joyner IV, a Jacksonville pediatrician; and three grandchildren: Sophia Elizabeth, James V, and Selina Alexandria.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dr. James A. Joyner, III Scholarship Fund C/O the Gamma Beta Boule Foundation, 6359 Whispering Oaks Dr. North, Jacksonville 32277.
Dr. Joyner’s ashes will be dedicated and scattered at sea on Thursday July 16th at 10:45 a.m. with immediate family and special friends. A reception will follow on Thursday July 16th between 4pm-6pm at O.C. Whites, located at 118 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, FL. Everyone is invited to attend and in honor of Dr. Joyner, Hawaiian theme shirts are welcome.
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