It is with sadness that we share that James Peter Zachary died May 8, 2026. At his side was his beloved wife of 37 years, Hilary.

He lived a full life and loved spending time with his family and his two grandkids Parker and Summer. He was also a very devoted dog owner and had many hunting dogs over the years. Lately his beloved Flat coated retrievers but not forgetting George an Antiguan Paramongoose hound!

Peter was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and attended Campbell College and earned his Chartered Accountant prior to moving to Canada in his 20s. He enjoyed a varied and successful career and at one stage, served as Managing Director of Beamish and Crawford Brewery in Cork, Ireland. During that time, he made many lifelong friends there, many of whom we hosted either in Florida or Antiqua.

He moved to the US in 1980 and settled in Annapolis, Maryland. He built many lasting friendships there within both the sailing community and the tennis community. He was a member of the Annapolis Yacht Club and Annapolitan Club.

Later, he became the Chairman of Antiqua Slipway. A boat yard in the historic English Harbour. These were some of his happiest times and gave him such pleasure as he reminisced about the yard, the workers, the sailing, the tennis and the many friends.

In 1995, he moved to Ft. Lauderdale from Annapolis to be better able to provide support services to Slipway. There he enjoyed both sailing and tennis and visits from both family and friends.

After retirement he moved to Fernandina Beach where he became a member of the Amelia Island Sailing Club. He was also one of the founding partners in Kraft Tennis Club. He continued to play tennis until five years ago and never lost hope of returning to the court.

Peter enjoyed many pursuits, but his true passion was sailing. Sailing brought him immense joy, and took him across Lake Ontario, the Chesapeake Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, the Irish Sea and the Caribbean Sea. His children Patrick, Jill and Richard have fond memories of sailing trips in the Bahamas and Antiqua. He was most happy at the helm of a sailboat, enjoying the sunshine and the breeze.

Although he lived in Florida, Peter's children and his grandchildren visited regularly, and he often took them on trips to visit animal sanctuaries.

There will be a Celebration of Life August 1, 2026 at 11am in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors, all are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Community Hospice or the Flat-Coated Retriever Foundation. www.fcrfoundation.org (specify rescue)

The Zachary family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to Joyce, Nikki, Brenda and Marci, Peter's care giving team as well as neighbors and friends for their love, friendship, and support over the years.

Fare thee well, Peter.

Patrick, Kika, Jill, Rick, Richard, Tracey, Parker, Summer and Hilary, Love you and we miss you.

Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com

A Celebration of Life Memorial Events for James Zachary will be held on 1 August at 1100am at Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors FL

Funeral services provided by:

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

1305 Atlantic Ave P.O. Box 693, Fernandina Beach, FL 32035