It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of one of Jacksonvilles finest educational leaders and passionate arts advocates, Julian Earl Farris, who died on March 20, 2025. As an FCCJ (now known as Florida State College at Jacksonville), college professor and Dean of the Humanities department, Earl (known by his Chart House family as Mr. Julian) truly made a difference not only in the lives of his students but also in ensuring the college provided cutting-edge arts resources and facilities. Under his leadership and vision, a world class college performing arts facility, the Wilson Center, was completed that is still a national model today. He also served as a consultant for the National Endowment for the Humanities and the University of North Floridas performing arts center. In partnership with Douglas Anderson School of the Arts (DA) Arts Director, Jackie Cornelius, Earl was awarded the first million-dollar Kennedy Center Partnership Grant in Northeast Florida.Earl, a talented novelist, poet and researcher himself, was an ardent supporter of the young student artists at DA. His decades of support have resulted in countless students success as professional artists. All his life, he worked as a change agent and activist never settling for status quo. After the archives of the Florida Johns Committee (officially the Florida Legislative Investigation Committee) led by segregationist state Senator Charley Eugene Johns were made public in 1993 about a hidden, shameful era in Florida history, Earl wrote and published The Sin Warriors in 2012. This groundbreaking novel "waded into the murky water of political abuse, human arrogance and hatred" and ended as a story of resilience and redemption. In addition, he was an animal rights activist and strong supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and JASMYN.His interests extended into horticulture and sailing as well. As a Master Gardener in the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science Program, he traveled statewide as a palm tree expert and consultant. In addition, he and his husband, Jack, sailed the world and traveled extensively. They were avid sailing enthusiasts with many captivating stories. In 2023, Earl took his last trip to Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Croatia and Serbia.Earl was born in Jacksonville on September 21, 1936, and was the son of Ion L Farris, Jr. and Anna Farris Mosley. Earl graduated from Andrew Jackson High School, received a B.A. in English from Jacksonville University, and an M.A. in English from Florida State University. He was predeceased by his husband, Dr. James A. Montgomery, three siblings, and numerous aunts and uncles. Earl is survived by several nieces and nephews, his adored cats, Daisy and Skeeter, and many who had the good fortune to call him friend.Earl truly was a Renaissance man and exemplified all that is held dear in those who touch the lives of others. He will be missed.Memorial contributions may be made to Douglas Anderson School of the Arts Foundation, Jacksonville University, or PFLAG. Funeral Home Moloney-Hewell Funeral Home and Cremation Services 4140 University Blvd S Jacksonville FL - 32216 US (904) 737-4855 (904) 739-8159