James-Warnke-Obituary

James Warnke

Obituary

Former mayor James Warnke, who continued champion environmental causes long after leaving office, died Sunday after a brief illness. He was 80.

Mr. Warnke served on the city commission for four years, including a year as mayor from 1983 to 1984. He was among the first public officials to call attention to the precarious nature of Florida's water resources and the need for a sustainable growth plan, his son, Tom Warnke, said.

Most recently, he supported the Florida Hometown Democracy petition sent to Tallahassee to give local residents the power to vote on changes to cities' comprehensive plans.

"He saw what was happening in Broward and Dade, and he didn't want it to happen in Palm Beach County, especially Boynton," Tom Warnke said. "He believed a place should be preserved for the people who lived there."

The Wisconsin native and World War II Army veteran moved to Florida in 1956 to work as a switchman for Southern Bell. A pioneering diving instructor, Mr. Warnke organized one of the county's first formal classes before SCUBA certification existed, his son said. His interest in ocean conservation started when he saw divers break off pieces of coral for souvenirs. He became a staunch opponent of injection wells used to dispose of sewage deep underground. He and others contended that the sewage eventually leaked into the ocean.

"He would tell anyone that listened that they need to treat the water until it's clean again, not just shoot it into the ground," Tom Warnke said.

The Scout leader, Sunday school superintendent and photographer served on the boards of several local organizations before turning his attention to politics in the 1980s.

Mr. Warnke is survived by his wife of 58 years, Beverleycq, and their six children: Bill Warnke of Lakewood, Wash., Tom Warnke of Boynton Beach, Terry Warnke Mayhew of Titusville, Randy Warnke of Lantana, Wendy Warnke Tobias of Delray Beach and Ann Warnke Louzy of Boynton Beach.

A memorial service will be held 4 p.m. Friday at St. Joseph's Church in Boynton Beach, followed by a reception for friends and family in the parish hall.

Donations may be made to "Jim's Fund" at St. Joseph's Church, 3300 S. Seacrest Blvd., Boynton Beach, FL 33435. The church will use the money for ocean preservation and to support the 2004 Injection Well Challenge Fund.

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