John Christian "Chris" Meffert

Former Florida State Representative John Christian "Chris" Meffert, of Salt Springs, Tampa, and Tallahassee passed away at his home in Salt Springs on November 13, 2014.

Born August, 11, 1943 in Ocala, Florida, he graduated from Ocala High School in 1961 and from Florida State University in 1965.  He was a member of the first graduating class of the Florida State University Law School, received his Juris Doctorate, and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1969.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Joyce Brown Meffert; his daughters, Mrs. Melissa Meffert Meador (Chip) of Chesapeake, Virginia and Ms. Amanda Meffert of Brooklyn, New York; hIs step-son Dr. Matt McDowell (Laura) of Apollo Beach and his step-daughter Ms. Kristen McDowell of Tampa; his four grandchildren: Caroline Meador, James Christian Meador, Liam McDowell, and Harper McDowell; and his brother Mr. Wellington Meffert (Cari), Tallahassee.


He is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. George L. Meffert, Sr. and Mrs. Neil S. Swisher and his brother, Mr. George L. Meffert, Jr.


Chris was a member of Kappa Alpha Order, Phi Delta Phi, The United States Army Reserves, First United Methodist Church of Ocala, The Ocala Elks Club, The Ocala Rotary Club, and The Tampa Bay Rough Riders.


He began his legal career as an Assistant State Attorney General 1969-1970. In 1971, Chris returned to his native Ocala as an associate at Ayres, Swigert, Cluster, Tucker, and Curry, where he also  served on the Board of Directors of the Young Lawyers Section of the Florida Bar.  He was later a partner at Ayres, Cluster, Curry, Meffert, and McCall and at Fore, Meffert, and Futch.



Chris continued to practice law, but his childhood dream was public service.  He began his career of public service with his election as Mayor of Ocala in 1977.  He was subsequently elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1980, and won reelection to four consecutive terms. Chris earned prestigious committee assignments as he progressed through his terms, as the Legislature addressed issues such as growth management, medical malpractice and workers compensation, and the services tax.  One of his final committee assignments was as Chair of the Regulated Industries Committee where he played a key role in the drafting and passage of the Florida Lottery Act. After his tenure in the Legislature,  he continued working in the political arena as a lobbyist. After a brief retirement, Chris was appointed as Executive Director of the Florida Boxing Commission by then Governor Jeb Bush.


Chris loved being on and around the water, and treasured his retirement at home on Little Lake Kerr in the company of good friends and family.  His sharp intelligence and ready wit will be missed by all who knew him.