Download Historical Society of Palm Beach County mourns James Ponce

For Immediate Release
Holly Finch, Director of
Advancement and
Communications
(561) 832-4164 ext. 106
[email protected]
HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF PALM BEACH COUNTY MOURNS PAST PRESIDENT AND
LOCAL HISTORIAN AND WORLD WAR II HERO, JAMES PONCE
WEST PALM BEACH, Fl. (December 27, 2015) --- Upon learning of the passing of James Ponce,
local historian and WWII hero, the Historical Society of Palm Beach County officials released the
following statements.
“Jim loved to share his knowledge about local history, and I feel very fortunate that he was so
forthcoming with his time and memories. His passing leaves a great hole in our collective lives. I
know that he really looked forward to celebrating his centennial with all of us and I am greatly
saddened that he will not be able to make that milestone.”
Debi Murray, Chief Curator
Historical Society of Palm Beach County
“Jim Ponce was a beloved champion of history and served as the president of the Historical Society of
Palm Beach County from 1988 to 1990. On behalf of our benefactors, board members and supporters,
we are deeply saddened by the news of Jim’s passing and we all treasure his memory as a dear friend.
I feel so fortunate to have known him personally and as an ambassador of history education.”
Jeremy W. Johnson, President
Historical Society of Palm Beach County
Staff recall that after completing one of his afternoon tours of Worth Avenue, he was known to visit
the Historical Society of Palm Beach County, where he would empty his pockets full of donations for
his services as tour guide. In addition, as part of the mission of the Historical Society of Palm Beach
County, the organization makes history accessible, interesting, and meaningful through the an online
history project created to help broaden the audience and widen the reach for local history access
beyond visitors restricted from visiting the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History
Museum during standard operating hours. View an interview with Jim Ponce on his military service
during the Korean War and World War II.
http://www.pbchistoryonline.org/page/jim-ponce
For more information about the Historical Society of Palm Beach County, please visit
www.historicalsocietypbc.org or call 561.832.4164. (The museum will be closed Thursday, December
31, 2015 and Friday, January 1, 2016.)
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