Claude Kirk, a flamboyant self-promoter who became Florida's first Republican governor of the 20th century even though he never held prior public office, died Wednesday. He was 85.
Kirk died peacefully in his sleep at his West Palm Beach home, his family said in a statement.
"He woke up every morning with 30 new ideas, 28 of which weren't the best in the world, but two were absolutely genius," said Nat Reed, who was Kirk's environmental adviser and later served as assistant interior secretary under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford.
Ethel Barry "Jinx" Jenkins died on January 3, 2008, at the age of 85. Jinx's guardian angel joyously welcomed her into the eternal home of her Lord Jesus. She is preceded in death by her mother, Ida Todd Barry Meeks, an infant daughter, Barbara Gail Jenkins, two brothers, Richard Hayden Barry, Jr and Rodney Worthington Barry, and two sisters, infant Lena Barry and Ida Ruth Barry Ozier Terry.