Jim Tollerton still has monthly lunch dates with his high school English teacher, Bev Wright. “She made me read Ode to a Grecian Urn by John Keats 100 times, until it really sunk in. And by the tenth time, I finally got it!” he says with a smile. A man whose operating philosophy is “We only get one trip down the track so we have to make a difference every day,” Jim Tollerton has dedicated countless hours to impact what he is passionate about: helping good people succeed.

A Sarasotan for most of his life (his family moved here from New York when he was five years old), Jim’s roots in the community run deep. A graduate of Southside Elementary, Brookside Middle and Sarasota High School, where he was the President of the Class of 1964, Jim has been recognized by the Education Foundation of Sarasota with The Alumni of Distinction Award for his local service. “I have the greatest respect for teachers,” he says. “They are some of the best people in the world.’’

Jim has fond memories of growing up in Sarasota: “Eddie Morton was my best friend. We still have breakfast together once a week. And I played handball with the same great group of guys here in town for over 40 years.”  

Those who know Jim, think of him as “the great connector” because he has been here so long and knows everyone. “He loves connecting people for the betterment of the community–he has a passion for it,” shares Taylor Collins, Jim’s daughter, who refers to her dad as “Mr. Sarasota.” 

One such connection that has had a lasting impact on so many goes back to a wish Jim had on his 40th birthday–to secure the donations necessary to start an Employee Appreciation fund at SMH. Originally, the hospital had a time-in-service recognition program, meaning that for every five, ten, etc. years served, the employee would be recognized. Knowing that the Venice Hospital Board had a recognition program for outstanding employees each month, Jim wanted something similar for employees at SMH. With friends and then HR Director Fritz Sprenger and his Assistant Director, Alison Thurau, the idea was developed and the EXCEL recognition program began in 1987, just after Jim left the Board. Forty percent of the winners over those years are either still employed at SMH or retired from SMH. “Quite an enviable record, I think,” boasts Jim. Thirty-five years later, his wish is a reality that is still growing strong. In fact, Jim has now endowed it through his own generosity because he feels so strongly about the people of SMH: “I’m convinced that Sarasota Memorial is the best community hospital with the best medical staff and employees in the country.”

A married father of three grown and successful children, Jim started his career as a trust officer at Sarasota Bank. He went into the insurance and benefit business in 1970 and eventually became the owner and President of Professional Benefits Incorporated, a local, independent provider of small business and executive benefits. Following in her father’s footsteps, Jim’s daughter, Taylor now owns the company. “I’m really proud to continue his legacy of 50 years with Professional Benefits. I know the Tollerton family looks forward to serving the Sarasota community for years to come,” she says.

Currently, Jim serves on several local boards, including The Ringling and the Florida State College of Medicine Sarasota Advisory Board where he helps young medical students in our community. The Sarasota campus has 20 third-year and 20 fourth-year students, as well as a Physician’s Assistant program. “We have a sterling advisory board which assists the students integrating into the community while they are here. Our hope is that they will return after residency.” Along with Taylor, Jim hosts a number of the medical students and residents at the FSU Asolo Conservatory each year to see one of the Master’s in Theater student performances.

Humble about his achievements and contributions, Jim shares advice he learned along the way: “There’s no way to avoid the pitfalls in life. We’re all going to have them in one form or another from time to time. The measure of a person is how we respond when we’re down, when things aren’t going the way we’d like. Anyone can be a hero when they’re ‘on top’ but the winner is the one who gets up, brushes themselves off and strides out again.”

On December 9, 2021, James B. Tollerton was an award recipient at the SB2: Philanthropic Agenda and Good Hero Awards Luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. A well-deserved award, indeed.