Name: James O. Birr III (Joby)
Age: 37
Family: wife, Katie
Pets: two dogs, Sydney and Wiley
Education: University of North Florida, B.A. 1995, Summa Cum Laude; University of Florida J.D. 2000, with honors.
Admitted to the Bar: 2000
Employer: Gunster Yoakley
Field of practice: Construction law and business litigation.
Professional organizations: Association of Builders and Contractors, Jacksonville Bar Association, Real Property Probate and Trust Law section of the Florida Bar
Community involvement:
President of the University of North Florida Alumni Association, Jacksonville Public Library Foundation Board of Directors (recently appointed)
How did you get involved?
Since education is important to me, getting involved with both UNF and the Jacksonville Public Library was a good fit. I was also looking for a way to stay connected with the University of North Florida and the community.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
I am extremely proud of all that the University of North Florida has accomplished in such a short time. As the president of the Alumni Association, I have learned how passionate people are about the University of North Florida. In the last two years the Alumni Association has helped raise $60,000 for the First Generation Scholarship Program — a program that assists students who are the first in their family to attend college. We hope to raise another $30,000 this year for the scholarship program, through the Alumni golf event on April 20.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
“Catch-22” by Joseph Heller