Mainstreet Daily News
Former Gainesville Mayor Jim Painter lost his fight with cancer and died on Thursday.
Painter, 71, served on the city commission from 1990-93 and as mayor from 1993-96.
The city of Gainesville posted the following on its Facebook page:
“We are saddened to have lost another valued leader and friend. Former Mayor Jim Painter served the City of Gainesville as a commissioner and mayor in the 1990s. It was during Mayor Painter’s term in office that our community earned Money Magazine’s title of ‘America’s Most Livable City.’ We are grateful for his many contributions and are keeping his family and friends in our thoughts.”
According to an obituary posted on the Williams-Thomas Funeral Homes website, Painter died suddenly from a complication following a year-long battle with cancer.
Painter spent 40 years working for Painter Masonry and his projects included several buildings at the University of Florida, according to the obituary.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday in The Lyceum at Santa Fe College.
The death marks the second former Gainesville mayor and city commissioner to pass over the last week. On Saturday, Stuart “Craig” Lowe, 65, died.