Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay is sad to announce former Monroe County Sheriff Rev. J. Allison DeFoor (1989-1990) passed away on Oct. 27, 2026, in Jacksonville, Florida. He was 72. Dr. DeFoor is survived by his wife, Randy, and extended family.
“Sheriff DeFoor was an extraordinary public servant who committed his life to others,” Ramsay said. “He is remembered for his outstanding leadership at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office as well as his devotion to the less fortunate.”
A former assistant state attorney, DeFoor served as a Monroe County Judge at the age of 28, later served as a Circuit Judge, as well as Monroe County Sheriff. In 1990 he ran for lieutenant governor of Florida as Gov. Bob Martinez’s running mate.
DeFoor worked as Everglades Czar under Gov. Jeb Bush. He has served as a law professor at the University of Miami and was a member of the board of governors of the Florida Bar. DeFoor served on numerous other boards including the Florida Chamber Foundation, Florida Historical Society, Associated Industries of Florida, and Florida Tax Watch, the Florida State College Foundation, Memorial Park Foundation, Episcopal Children’s Services and Operation New Hope, among others. He also served as the president and CEO of the North Florida Land Trust.
DeFoor had collegiate degrees spanning criminology, law, geography and theology. He earned his doctorate at the South Florida Center for Theological Studies. As an ordained Episcopal priest, DeFoor served as Canon to the Ordinary for the Diocese of Florida and dedicated many years to prison ministry and chaplaincy.
Funeral arrangements are pending via St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 4129 Oxford Ave., Jacksonville, Florida, 32210.
