James ‘Jim’ E. Way, Jr.

August 1, 2024

James “Jim” E. Way, Jr. passed away suddenly on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

Jim was born on January 6, 1964, in Pensacola to James E. Way Sr. and Linda {Holifield} Way. He started with the Escambia County Jail in 1983, retiring in 1996, at the rank of lieutenant. After retiring from the county jail, Jim joined his father at Way Bail Bond, Inc., which his father started in 1967. Jim became president of the company upon his father’s death in 2006. He poured his heart and soul into Way Bail Bond, Inc. for the last 28 years and became a respected businessman whose reputation and integrity was beyond reproach. Over the years, Jim helped countless individuals and families in the community and was known as a no-nonsense, straight shooter with a heart of gold. He was not only a bondsman but a mentor and friend to many. Nancy, his wife, joined him at Way Bail Bond in 2000, and together they worked hard building the company and life they shared together. Tammy Spainhower joined the company in 2019 and was so much more than an “employee”. She was Jim’s “pal” and they shared a special friendship dating back to the old days at the jail together. We also want to recognize Earl McKinney who started his bail bond career with us and eventually began his own company. Earl has stepped in to help tend to business related matters while the family lays Jim to rest. We are forever grateful for his love, friendship and support.

Jim’s first love was law enforcement. He maintained special relationships with both the Escambia and Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s offices after his law enforcement career concluded. Always a familiar face around the jail, he shared a special bond and continued to lend support to his law enforcement brothers and sisters. The family would like to thank both agencies for their unwavering support during this difficult time.

Jim loved his children with his whole heart and his grandbabies were the light of his life. He loved to spoil them and got so much joy seeing them smile. Being a protector and provider, his number one priority was taking care of those he loved. This included his pets, especially his office cats, Buddy and Vision, as well as the feral colony of cats he would feed and tend to within the surrounding area. At home, he would be greeted by his menagerie of dogs and cats with whom he loved so deeply.

In lieu of flowers, please support Jim’s love of animals by making a charitable donation in his memory to www.ahope4src.com. This animal welfare non profit is very dear to both Jim and Nancy’s hearts.

Jim is preceded in death by his father and mother.

Jim is survived by his wife of 27 years, Nancy. His three sons, Eric (Chelsea) Kroll of Pensacola, FL, Shawn (Nirvana) Kroll of Jacksonville, NC and James Mitchell Way of Pace, FL. Along with his sister, Deborah (Al) Menard of Cantonment, FL. Finally, Jim’s precious grandchildren include Kortney, Hunter, Conner, Bryce, Everleigh and a great grandson, Austin.

Jim, you touched more lives than you will ever realize and to say you will be missed is a great understatement. The way that you lived your life and the love you gave will leave a hole in our hearts that will never be filled.

Visitation will be begin at 4:00pm until the Memorial Service at 5:00pm, Thursday, August 8, 2024, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, 2276 Airport Blvd Pensacola, FL 32504

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Obituaries