DATE: August 20, 2015
TO: NAIFA-Florida State and Local Leaders
FROM: Tom Ashley, Interim CEO
RE: Death of Jim Fogarty, former Legislative Vice President
We have received news here that former NAIFA-Florida Legislative Vice President Jim Fogarty, CLU, passed away following a long illness (see below for funeral arrangements). During Jim’s service to NAIFA-Florida (then known as the Florida Association of Life Underwriters — FALU), he was instrumental in protecting agents from harmful regulation and advancing initiatives vital to the industry. Jim was a pioneer of the insurance industry in Florida. He was 98.
After leaving the (then known as the Department of Insurance) DFS as Deputy Insurance Commissioner, Jim went to work for FALU as Legislative Vice President. He was involved in the creation and development of the “Florida Life, Health, and Variable Annuity Study Manual” which pre-licensing candidates still use today. He took great pride in the work he did in terms of getting statutes passed and Rules adopted which shaped the insurance industry in Florida, and then translating those laws and Rules into the study manual for agents. In my discussion with his widow Barbara earlier this afternoon, she informed me that she is including a copy of the study manual on the “table of remembrance” at his funeral — Jim was so proud of the work he did.
In addition, Jim was responsible for the NAIFA-Florida Code of Ethics being included in the Administrative Code (Rules) (69B-215.235) for all insurance agents to adhere to in Florida — not just the members of the association.
Maybe one of Jim’s biggest legacies was convincing a young member of the Florida House of Representatives to come to work for FALU in 1986 as lobbyist, to replace Jim upon his retirement — a man named Herb Morgan, who served in the House for 12 years. Years later, Jim said that he always knew Herb would be the right person for the job as FALU lobbyist and eventually, CEO.
Many of our longtime members knew Jim and would want to know of his passing — but not sure some of them will get this email. If you know of someone in your local association who might have known Jim, please pick up the phone and give them the message. It would be appreciated.
Jim’s funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. (ET) on Saturday, August 22, 2015 at the St. Madeleine Catholic Church in High Springs, Florida. The address is: 17155 NW U.S. Hwy. 441, High Springs. Following the funeral, Barbara is hosting a “Life Celebration Luncheon” at the church in Jim’s honor and all are invited. However, if you plan to attend, please let me know (tom.ashley@naifa-florida.org) so that I can pass along the total number of people to anticipate for the luncheon.
Condolences may be sent to: Barbara Fogarty, PO Box 929, High Springs, FL 32655-0929.