Brooklet is mourning the loss of Richard James “Jim” Stanoff, who passed away at his home on March 9, 2025, after a short battle with lung cancer. He was 89 years old.
Jim was a dedicated public servant, having served three terms on the Brooklet City Council and most recently as the city's safety coordinator. He was also a longtime member of the Brooklet Community Development Association (BCDA), where he played a key role in organizing the town’s annual Peanut Festival. His service to the city and its people was a testament to his lifelong commitment to leadership and community involvement.
Born in Massillon, Ohio, on January 31, 1936, Jim led a remarkable life. He served in the United States Air Force for 20 years as an electronics technician before transitioning into military recruiting, where he earned numerous accolades. After retiring from the Air Force, he built a second career with Allstate Insurance as a regional manager in Reno, Nevada. Later, he found a third passion in the bowling world, managing the American Bowling Congress national bowling tournament and eventually becoming the ABC Masters tournament emcee. When he moved to Statesboro, he became a beloved figure in the local bowling community, making a lasting impact on those around him.
In light of his passing, Brooklet Mayor Nicky Gwinnett has postponed the town hall meeting that was scheduled for March 13 to March 27 to allow the community time to honor Jim’s memory.
“I feel we need to be able to participate in Jim’s celebration of life and honor him for his service to our town,” Mayor Gwinnett said. “I ask that we all keep his family in our prayers during this very difficult time.”
Jim is survived by his fiancée, Esther Morgan, his son Robert W. Stanoff and wife Shari, his son-in-law Gene Gardner, granddaughters Alicia and Cathy Gardner, great-granddaughters Zoee, Mackenzie, and April, great-grandson Anthony, and great-great-granddaughter Peighton Gardner. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Sophie Palladini, his brother Phillip Stanoff, and his daughter Melodie Gardner.
A Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Joiner Anderson Funeral Home in Statesboro. Friends, family, and community members are invited to share stories in remembrance of Jim. In honor of his love for bowling, attendees are encouraged to wear a bowling shirt or apparel.
Jim Stanoff’s legacy of service and leadership will not be forgotten. His contributions to Brooklet, his years of public service, and the countless lives he touched will continue to be remembered for years to come.