John Franklin Hern Jr.

JOHN FRANKLIN HERN [JACK} 80 of Valrico, Florida passed away on July 24th, 2022 after a long battle with Alzheimer's Lewy Body Dementia. Jack was born on December 22, 1941 in Ancon, Canal Zone, Republic of Panama to John F. Hern Sr. and Margaret Moore Hern. He grew up in the Canal Zone where he graduated from Balboa High School in 1959 and earned an AA Degree from the Panama Canal Junior College a few years later. He pursued his education graduating from Florida State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. He then went on to obtain a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Nova University. Jack’s first job in the Canal Zone was working as a Canal Zone Police Officer. Although of short duration, he was very proud of the time he spent serving the community as guardian of the law. When an Accountant position came open, Jack transferred to the Accounting Division of the Panama Canal Company. During his career Jack rose to the position of Chief Accountant of the Panama Canal Commission, formally the Panama Canal Company. He retired in 1996 during the transfer of the Canal to the Republic of Panama.

In 1959 he also met his “girl and best friend” Frances Yost. They wed Aug 24, 1963, going on to have 2 children, John F. Hern III and Yvette “Mitchie” (Hern) Overstreet. Jack was very active with his community in the Canal Zone serving as a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge #1414. He volunteered and coached Junior League football and Junior League baseball. Many of his former players to this day still call him “Coach”. He was well liked and respected by both the players and parents alike. Jack enjoyed skin diving, deep water fishing, sports and was an avid golfer. He spent many hours on a golf course trying to win a few dollars from his buddies. After retiring in 1996, Jack and Fran moved to Zephyrhills, Florida where he worked for the James A Haley Veterans Research and Education Foundation. Jack and Fran loved traveling, attending sporting events and playing golf. They were for many years’ season ticket holders for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Jack loved to attend the annual Panama Canal Society Reunion where he was able to see friends of old and recall the days long past.

Jack was predeceased by his Parents John F. Hern Sr. and Margaret Moore Hern. He is survived by wife Fran Yost Hern, brother Richard "Dickie” Hern and his wife Ruth {Chance} Hern. His son John F. Hern III and partner Ellen Solmson; Daughter Mitchie (Hern) Overstreet and husband John Overstreet; grandchildren Adam and Shay Hern, Darien and Kandis Hern, Bailey Hern, John Philip Hern, Kaylee Overstreet, Dylan Overstreet and Sydney Kahle. Great Grandchildren Macklen Hern, Remington Hern and Chapman Hern.

A Celebration of Life will be held on August 26, 2022 from 2-6PM at the Elks Lodge of Brandon #2383, 800 Centennial Lodge Dr., Brandon, FL 33510. The Elks Memorial Service will begin at 3:00PM.

In Lieu of flowers we are asking for donations in John (Jack) Hern Jr’s name.

Please click on link below:

https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Events/Tributes-AlzheimersChampions?pg=fund&fr_id=1060&pxfid=758677