John Cecil Conner

John was born November 5, 1929 in Weir, West Virginia. He started his passion of diving in 1939 and from there competed in high school through college and beyond. He graduated in 1951 with a Bachelor's degree from Duke University and was inducted into the sports Hall of Fame in 1990 for diving where he earned All-American Honors. After Duke he joined the Air Force flying F-86 Saber Jets then later transitioned to the Marine Corp retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. John worked in the life insurance business with the fantastic New York Life and retired after dedicating over 50 years of service. He has led an extraordinary life traveling to over 5 continents competing in the Masters diving program until the age of 82. In 2009 he was inducted into the International Swimming and Diving Hall of Fame. John was active with many organizations including the Kiwanis Club of Jacksonville, Leukemia Society and the Quiet Birdmen to name a few. He always had a big smile on his face and anytime you asked how he was doing he would respond with “A Little Better than Terrific”!

John was a loving family man married to his wife for 49 years and also had 6 kids who he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his wife Juanita, daughter Scarlet, son Stephen Duke, grandson Brent and granddaughter Gina. He is survived by his daughters Chyan, Jana (Don), Tiffany and Julie (Maury) along with his grandchildren Niki, Hannah, Marcus, Christian, Tiera, Turner, Matthew and 9 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, December 11, 2020 at 3 p.m. with a reception to follow from 4 to 6 p.m. at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the Alzheimer's Association in his memory.