About Us

Our Family

A member of our family will assist you throughout the death care process, whether it be through pre-arrangements, funeral arrangements, funeral service or community activities. Our staff resides in the Beaches and surrounding Jacksonville areas participating in many community activities, including clubs, charities and churches. They are members of Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, the Ponte Vedra Chamber of Commerce, Rotary International, the Ponte Vedra Community Association, the Knights of Columbus, the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club, the St. Vincent de Paul Society of the Beaches, the Long-time Newcomers Club, Haven Hospice, and they volunteer with Community Hospice. The Quinn and Shalz families are also active members of St. Paul's Catholic Church and Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church.

Our Funeral Directors

Darlene B. Smith

Darlene B. Smith

Managing Director

A graduate of Florida Community College with an Associate of Science in Mortuary Science. Darlene is a funeral director, embalmer, and certified crematory operator.  She has been employed with Quinn-Shalz  Family Funeral Home & Cremation Centre since 2002 and Managing Director since 2006. Darlene has five children, Melissa, Nikki, Cory, Lyndsey, and Logan, and five grandchildren, Makayla, Madison, Hayden, Cameron, Marci, Jameson, and Julia. 

Terry A. Tilley

Terry A. Tilley

Funeral Director, Embalmer, Certified Crematory Operator

Terry is a graduate of St. Petersburg College with an Associate in Science in Funeral Service; he has been employed with Quinn-Shalz Family Funeral Home & Cremation Centre since 2015. Terry is a Jacksonville transplant coming from Southwest Florida where he began his career in funeral service after a career in nonprofit and animal welfare management. Terry is a veteran of the United States Air Force.

Cory Browne

Cory Browne

Funeral Director and Certified Crematory Operator

Cory is a Jacksonville native and began his career with Quinn-Shalz while in high school.  Cory is a veteran of the United States Army where he completed three tours of service in Afghanistan.  He is also a graduate of Florida State College of Jacksonville with an Associate in Science degree in Funeral Services. He is also a certified crematory operator.  Cory has a son and a daughter.

Damien Russo

Damien Russo

Funeral Director, Embalmer, Certified Crematory Operator

Damien was born and raised on Florida’s Space Coast before moving to Jacksonville to attend University of North Florida. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, he continued his education at Florida State College at Jacksonville, receiving an Associates in Science degree in Funeral Services. In his free time, Damien enjoys camping with friends, playing music, rooting for his favorite hockey teams, running, and most importantly, being with his family. 

Ilex M. Climenhaga

Ilex M. Climenhaga

Funeral Director, Embalmer, Certified Crematory Operator

Ilex is a dedicated funeral director with a heartfelt commitment to guiding families through one of life's most challenging moments. She holds a Funeral Services Degree from Florida State College of Jacksonville and began her career with Quinn Shalz Family Funeral Home in 2012. She has had the honor and privilege of serving families in the community for the past decade. These experiences continue to grow and equip her with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the delicate intricacies of funeral planning.


Understanding that each family is unique, Ilex approaches her role with a deep sense of patience and compassion, desiring that every service reflects the individuality and cherished memories of the departed and their bereaved. Her goal is to create an atmosphere of comfort that reflects the individuality of the life that is being remembered and celebrated. It is her hope that when their loved one is laid to rest that they feel at peace and content with the services designed to honor their memory. 


She believes in the power of a personalized and compassionate service and is dedicated to supporting people with the utmost care and understanding. Every detail of the funeral service matters and should be handled with precision and respect, ensuring a dignified farewell.


Outside of her role as a funeral director, Ilex enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Being helpful and assisting others in achieving their goals, large or small, not only brings balance to her life but also reinforces her belief in the importance of cherishing every moment. Ilex is happily married to McKinley Climenhaga (retired Navy Chief) and has two sons, Connor, and Lincoln. She is a third-generation native of Jacksonville and is happy to serve everyone in the community.


Our Staff Associates

 Debbie Wilson

Debbie Wilson

Administrative Assistant

Debbie joined the Quinn-Shalz family in 2003. She and her family are longtime residents of Jacksonville Beach.  She has four children and seven grandchildren. 

Amy Ray

Amy Ray

Administrative Assistant


Jo Ann Pike

Jo Ann Pike

Prearrangement Counselor

Jo Ann and her husband Bruce are residents of Jacksonville Beach. She joined us in 2008 and has over twenty years of experience in the funeral industry. Throughout her career, she has assisted families with their prearranged funeral needs in Hawaii, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Florida. 

Richard

Richard "Rick" Powell

Coach Driver/Staff Associate

Rick and his wife, Robin spent their careers in education and he retired as a school principal. They are residents of Neptune Beach and have one son, one daughter, and four grandchildren. Rick joined us in 2014. 

Michael

Michael "Mike" Thompson

Staff Associate

Mike is a veteran of the Vietnam war. He retired from the United States Air Force with twenty-one years of service to our country. Mike met his wife, Patricia in Germany where she was also stationed. Mike grew up in southern California and relocated to Jacksonville in 2000 after his retirement. He and Patricia have two children and two grandchildren.  Mike joined us in 2015.

Richard

Richard "Dick" Andrus 1930-2022

Beloved Hearse Driver

Dick served in the United States Marine Corps and is a veteran of the Korean War.  He earned his Master’s Degree in finance from Kent State. He retired as Bank President before moving to Jacksonville where he began his career in sales with Brumos Porsche. Dick has been part of the Quinn-Shalz family since 2003. "Glad you got to see me" - Dick

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