James M. Doss Sr., “Jim Sr.,” was born on February 19, 1930, in Apalachicola, Florida. He grew up in Jacksonville and thoroughly enjoyed trips to his grandparents’ home, where he fished, hunted, and participated in sports. A proud alumnus of Florida State University, he graduated with an economics degree in 1952 and completed Marine Corps officers’ training in Quantico, Virginia.

Jim Sr. began his lifelong real estate career in Manatee County at Wyman, Green, and Blalock Real Estate. His knowledge of the community, responsible land use, and appropriate stewardship of property shaped his professional life.

His motto, “Work hard; play hard,” was lived in the three communities he called home: Bradenton, Florida; Highlands, North Carolina; and New Orleans, Louisiana. The foundation was established after his passing on September 10, 2016.

Today, his legacy provides grants to non-profit Catholic faith-based organizations, college athletics programs, and children’s health and human services agencies.