The stage lights dimmed on May 29, 2026, when Neil James Thaggard Jr. passed away while in hospice care. Jim was 69 and was with friends.
Born in Bradenton, Jim grew up with a devoted mother, younger brother, and a career military father on naval bases across the U.S. and the world.
Jim enjoyed being the center of attention and performed in several school plays growing up. After graduating high school in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Jim excelled as a theatre major at Auburn University.
After college, Jim returned to the Suncoast and devoted his life to live theatre in the Sarasota/Bradenton area.
A marvelously quick-witted and inventive soul, Jim excelled at all things theatre, whether as an actor, director, instructor, or as an administrator. He delighted countless audiences with his captivating talent for both dramatic and comedic roles throughout our region at the Island Players, Manatee Players, Siesta Key Actor’s Theatre, and the Sarasota Players.
He excelled in all types of theatre, whether a musical, drama, or farce. “He truly lived a thousand lives” stated longtime friend, Shirley Foley.
He was also employed over the years at the Ringling Museum, Southeast High School, and SCF. While at SCF, he greatly enjoyed his yearly trips to New York City with the theatre students.
Jim called himself “The Archbishop of Bradenton.” As he officiated many weddings for friends and family, bringing his signature blend of humor, affection, and professionalism to each occasion.
Jim’s friends and admirers have countless stories of his quick wit, acerbic political commentary, unrelenting love of puns, his great laugh, and pure gusto for life. He will be enormously missed.
Jim was predeceased by parents Neil Thaggard Sr. and Eleanor Koonce. He is survived by brother Steve (Barbara), nephew Robert (Julia), great niece Kylie, beloved cousins Pat Corbus, Lili Corbus (Madison), Nate Bezner (Jessica), Jean Rasmussen, Meghan Gamin, John Thaggard and Joe Thaggard, as well as a host of long-standing and devoted friends and colleagues.
Before he passed, he and Pat Corbus formed a scholarship for theatre students at the State College of Florida. It was his hope that, in lieu of flowers, his friends and family could donate to this fund. The N. James Thaggard Theatre Scholarship c/o Cassandra Holmes, SCF Foundation, BLDG 7, 5840 26th St. W. Bradenton, FL 34207. Donations can also be made at: 941-752-5390
A celebration of life will be held at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes, 5624 26th Street W., Bradenton, on Saturday, June 13th at 1:00 PM.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 26th Street Chapel, 5624 26th Street West, Bradenton, Florida, is in charge of arrangements.
