GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is mourning the loss of James M. “Jim” Stephens, professor emeritus of horticultural sciences and an influential voice in Florida vegetable gardening and Extension education. Stephens passed away on July 18, 2026.
Stephens dedicated his career to helping Florida residents grow food in their home gardens despite the state’s unique challenges. A longtime faculty member in the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department, he was passionate about vegetable gardening, Master Gardener Volunteer training, and youth horticulture education through 4-H and other programs.
For decades, Stephens was the state’s trusted resource for information on home gardens. Throughout his career, he authored more than 300 publications and shared research-based gardening knowledge through more than 200 radio and television appearances.
Stephens was one of the founders of the Florida Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV) Program, helping to establish this program that since 1979 has trained tens of thousands of volunteers on the latest UF/IFAS research on lawns, landscapes and gardening. These volunteers share this knowledge with their communities across the state and help to protect that state’s valuable natural resources. He trained generations of county Extension faculty in non-commercial vegetable production, leaving a lasting impact on UF/IFAS Extension throughout the state.
He is probably best-known for his book, Vegetable Gardening in Florida, which was published in 1999 and remains a trusted guide for Florida home gardeners, county Extension agents, educators and garden writers. Drawing on decades of hands-on experience and UF/IFAS research, the book provides practical guidance for growing vegetables and edible herbs within the state’s challenging environment. Covering everything from site selection and soil management to pest control and harvesting, the publication has become a reliable resource for generations of Florida gardeners. The book is still in print and available for sale at the UF/IFAS Extension Bookstore.
His commitment to youth education was equally significant. Stephens was one of the founding organizers of the Florida 4-H Horticulture Plant Identification and Judging Contest, a program that continues to introduce young people to horticulture today. Even after retiring, he remained actively involved with the contest for many years.
Jim Stephens’ influence continues to be felt across UF/IFAS, through the Extension professionals he mentored, the educational programs he helped establish and the gardeners he inspired throughout Florida. His legacy of service, education and practical horticultural knowledge will continue to benefit Floridians for generations.
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