John Harrison Dempsey Holbrook

John Harrison Dempsey Holbrook was born on August 26, 1988, in Jacksonville, Florida, and drowned on August 30, 2012, while surfing at Masaya Beach outside of San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua. Masaya Beach is a popular surfing spot on the Pacific coast because of its very large waves (up to 22 feet), but is also very dangerous because of the rocks and currents. Following his death, his fellow surfers held a candle light vigil for him on the beach.

John was a member of Southpoint Church, attended The Bolles School, Mandarin Christian School, and was a graduate of Florida State College of Jacksonville. John was a natural athlete and enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, tennis and riding his dirt bike. He will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by all those who were blessed to know him.

Surviving him is his mother, Cathie Dempsey Holbrook, and his brother, Henry. He was pre-deceased by his sister, Charlotte. He is also survived by his father, Hank Holbrook, his aunts Linda Holbrook and Kathy Cold (Charlie) and Emma Dempsey, her uncles Richard Dempsey and Peter Dempsey, also cousins Beau Dempsey, Emily Webster, Lauren Morncy, Stephanie Cold, Kevin Cold, Heather Visali and Don Smith. He is also survived by his grandmothers, Linda Dempsey and Margie Holbrook.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 to noon on Saturday, September, 22, at Oaklawn Cemetery Chapel, 4801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL. Services will be at 12:00 noon Saturday, September 22, in the same chapel. Private burial will be at Oaklawn Cemetery.

Gratitude is expressed to the US Consulate in Managua, the employees of Montes de los Olivos funeral home and the police and people of Nicaragua for all of their assistance in bringing John back to the United States. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to do so may make memorials to Padre Joselito Ramirez, c/o Marshall D. Davis, P.A., 233 East Bay St, Ste 620, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Padre Ramirez is the director of a children's home in Managua, Nicaragua.

Local arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 4115 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32207.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hardage-giddenshendricksave.com.

From our hands to you Lord, we send John home.