John Parks Tazewell

John Parks Tazewell, Jr., 78, peacefully passed away on February 2, 2026, at Rosemont Health and Rehabilitation Center, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He was born on December 24, 1947, to Elizabeth Taylor Tazewell and John Parks Tazewell.

John grew up in Virginia, New Jersey and Rhode Island as the eldest son of a US Naval Officer. He was an avid Moth sailor and raced competitively. He graduated high school from Roger High School, Newport, Rhode Island, in 1966. After high school, he attended the US Naval Academy, and graduated in 1970. At the Naval Academy, John was on the sailing team and was on the transatlantic and Bermuda racing crews. After graduation, he served on the destroyer USS Holder, and the destroyer tender USS Grand Canyon, and retired at the rank of Lieutenant, JG, in 1973.

After retirement, John started several businesses, including Tazewell Tree Trimming and Tazewell Boat Towing. He also supported the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia caring for the property known as Talbot Hall, and the work of Old Dominion University on research associated with water quality in Hampton Roads, and planning for the construction of the Monitor and Merrimack Bridge Tunnel. After winding up his businesses, John enjoyed serving patrons at Meadowbrook Hardware Store. John also enjoyed boating on his beloved Dottie L, sailing, caring for animals and the elderly, travel and reading. John is survived by a former spouse, Grace Parker, his sister, Judith Carter Tazewell, and his brothers, Richard Walke Tazewell, and Littleton Waller Tazewell.

The family will hold a celebration of life event in Norfolk later in the spring. A private event to scatter John’s ashes will follow. Please contact a family member for further details.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Norfolk SPCA.