Finding a specific tribute in the Florida Times Union obits isn't always as simple as a quick Google search. Honestly, it’s kinda complicated if you're looking for someone from twenty years ago versus someone who passed away last week. People often assume every record since the 1800s is just sitting there, digitized and waiting. It's not.
The Florida Times-Union has been Jacksonville's "paper of record" since the 1860s. That is a massive amount of history. If you are trying to track down a family member or verify a death for legal reasons, you have to know which "hoop" to jump through first.
Why Florida Times Union Obits Still Matter
Why do we care about these archives? It isn’t just about dates. Obituaries in the Times-Union often capture the "Great Fire of 1901" era or the city's massive post-war expansion. They offer a window into who built Jacksonville.
Searching for Florida Times Union obits today usually leads you to Legacy.com. That's the modern partner for the paper. If the death occurred after 2001, you're probably in luck. You can search by name, date, or even keywords like "Navy" or "Teacher."
But what if the person died in 1954?
Then you're looking at microfilm or specialized indexes. The Jacksonville Public Library actually holds a "Star Edition" index for deaths between 1950 and 1964. It’s a niche resource. Most people don't even know it exists.
Modern Submissions and Costs
If you're the one having to place an ad, be ready for the price tag. It isn't cheap. Starting prices for a basic notice in the Florida Times Union obits section usually hover around $70. That's just for the bare bones.
Want a photo? That'll cost you.
Want more than five lines? That’s extra too.
Basically, the paper charges by the line. If you write a long, beautiful life story, you might end up with a bill for several hundred dollars. Most funeral directors in Duval County handle this for you, but you can also do it yourself through the Legacy "Obit Desk" or by calling 855-233-7031.
The Hidden Archives: Where the Records Go
Digital records are great until they aren't. For anything truly historical, you've gotta head to GenealogyBank or Ancestry. They’ve digitized large chunks of the paper's history, but they usually require a subscription.
Honestly, the best "free" hack is the library. The Jacksonville Public Library’s Florida Collection is a goldmine. They have the physical microfilm. It's tedious. You'll get a headache staring at the glowing screen. But it’s the only way to find those mid-century notices that haven't been indexed by the big tech companies yet.
- 1864-1920: Very hit or miss. Many records were lost or never indexed.
- 1920-2001: Mostly on microfilm; some years are searchable on GenealogyBank.
- 2001-Present: Fully searchable on the Times-Union website via Legacy.
Common Mistakes When Searching
One thing people get wrong is the spelling. Names were misspelled in the print edition all the time. If "Smith" doesn't show up, try "Smyth." If "Robert" isn't there, try "Bob" or just initials like "R. J. Jones."
Also, remember that the Florida Times Union obits might not appear the day after someone passes. Sometimes it takes three or four days for the family to get the text finalized. If you're looking for a recent service, check the "Death Notices" first—those are shorter, cheaper, and usually show up faster than the full narrative obituaries.
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How to Get Results Now
If you are looking for a recent obituary from the last 24 months, go straight to the Times-Union's official obituary page. It's updated daily. You can even sign up for "ObitMessenger" to get daily emails if you’re tracking a specific family name.
For the older stuff, don't waste time on general search engines. Go to the Jacksonville Public Library's digital collections website. They have specific indexes for the "Star Edition" which was a daily insert for the African American community in Jacksonville for many years. It's a critical piece of local history that often gets overlooked in standard searches.
To find or place an obituary effectively, follow these steps:
- For recent deaths: Search the Legacy.com portal specifically for the Florida Times-Union.
- For 20th-century records: Use GenealogyBank or visit the Main Library downtown.
- To submit a notice: Contact the "Obit Desk" at 855-233-7031 or email gannettobits@memoriams.com.
- Double-check deadlines: Most notices must be submitted by 1:00 PM the day before you want them to run.
Getting the details right in the Florida Times Union obits ensures that the person's legacy is preserved correctly in the city's permanent record. Whether you are searching or writing, precision is the only thing that matters.
Check the digital archives at the Jacksonville Public Library first if you are looking for records between 1950 and 1970, as their specialized index can save you hours of scrolling through microfilm.