After a long and debilitating illness, our friend, Jimmy Sanders finally gave up his fight to live on June 25, 1999. Jimmy, better known as “Outlaw,” resided with his wife Eddie “Swamp Mama,” in The Big Cypress National Preserve for the past 31 years. They were inspired to move to their home in the swamp in 1968 by their love for their dogs. In the natural setting of The Big Cypress, they raised three children, sons Rodney and Alan and their daughter Kristi (along with their dogs including Sassy).

As a family, the Sanders’ spent most of their time in The Everglades. Jimmy and family enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding swamp buggies and airboating. They spent a fair amount of their time at the family’s hunting camp. Although Jimmy was not able to personally say goodbye, he never forgot his many, many hunting and fishing friends.

Jimmy has joined his son Rodney at his hunting grounds in the sky. Jimmy will be greatly missed by his family, including his dog Leroy and all of us who were privileged to call him friend.

A personal note by Carol Balman, Secretary of the Airboat Association of Florida. What can be said about Jimmy Sanders? Jimmy loved the Everglades with a passion. He was a conservationist who fought for all of our hunting rights. Jimmy was always there to do whatever he could to help, whenever anyone was in trouble in the woods. Some of us remember that Jimmy worked at the Miccosukee Indian Village for three years or that he operated a check station for the Game and Fish Commission for two years. For all of those who did not know Jimmy Sanders, you missed out on having a good friend. I myself did call Jimmy my true friend and I am going to miss him.

God Bless you Jimmy.