Adams and Reese is sad to announce that John T. Rogerson III, our longtime Jacksonville Partner and Counsel, passed away on Monday, August 19, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. John was a distinguished attorney with over 35 years of legal practice and an invaluable presence in our firm. Our hearts go out to John’s wife, Leah, and their family, as well as to our Jacksonville office. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A Celebration of Life reception for John will be held at the Florida Yacht Club on September 6 from 2-4 p.m. EDT. A military color guard will be present to honor John’s service in the U.S. Navy.
John’s career was marked by his extensive knowledge in the financial services industry, where he represented banks and financial institutions across the Southeast. He was known for his work in commercial collection, bankruptcy, foreclosure, insurance law, estate, trust, and fiduciary litigation. He joined Adams and Reese in 2013 when we joined forces with Tim Volpe, Leslie Wickes, and their law firm at Volpe, Bajalia, Wickes, Rogerson & Wachs.
John received numerous accolades, including being named “Lawyer of the Year” in Jacksonville by Best Lawyers, and recognized as a “Florida Legal Elite” by Florida Trend. He was also listed in “Florida Super Lawyers” by Thomson Reuters, recognized among the “Top Lawyers” by Jacksonville Magazine, and “Top Attorneys in Florida” by the Wall Street Journal.
Throughout his career, John was known for his dedication to his clients. He once stated, “I treat my client’s problem as my problem, and I expect other lawyers who work with me to do the same. Our clients pay a premium for our services, and they deserve first-class service and work product.”
John was extremely loyal. He loved his time in upstate New York with his family, was an avid golfer, and he was a fierce fan of the Florida Gators, where he was a track superstar. John is one of six runners from Jacksonville to win the SEC 10,000 meters. John earned a B.A. from the University of Florida in 1985. He loved Florida so much that he stayed for law school, earning his J.D. in 1989. John also served in the U.S. Navy, where he was part of a 12-man flight crew conducting patrol missions. His service to his country was a source of great pride for him, and he continued to support veterans throughout his life.
John was a remarkable individual, both personally and professionally, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.