M. J. Menge

Marion Jackson Menge (1936-2007) was a prominent attorney and civic leader.

M. J. Menge
Born	November 10, 1936 Glendale, Florida
Died	February 3, 2007 Pensacola, Florida
Occupation	Attorney
Religion	Presbyterian
Spouse	Sandy Menge
Children	Vivian Gallo Randy Menge

Born in Glendale, Florida, on November 10, 1936, Menge moved to the East Pensacola Heights area as a boy and graduated from Pensacola High School in 1954. He received an associate's degree from Pensacola Junior College in 1956, then studied at the University of Florida, graduating with a bachelor's degree in 1958. After attending Navy Officer Candidate School, he went on to serve as a naval gunner officer on the USS Sarsfield until 1962. He returned to the University of Florida, where he earned a law degree in 1967.

Returning to Pensacola, Menge joined — and later became a partner of — the law firm Shell Fleming Davis & Menge. He was recognized early in his law career, being named One of Florida's Five Outstanding Young Men by the Florida Jaycees. The Pensacola Area Chamber of Commerce named him Community Leader of the Year in 1979.

Beginning in 1968, Menge served for over thirty years as general legal counsel for Pensacola Junior College. The 80-foot Menge Bell Tower, dedicated in 1998 to celebrate the college's 50th anniversary, is named for him. Menge was active in the Fiesta of Five Flags organization and was crowned de Luna LIV in 2003.

Menge was a proponent of charter government in Escambia County and was considered the main activist of the campaign that ultimately failed in a March 9, 2004 referendum.

He succumbed to a seven-year battle with cancer on February 3, 2007.