Born in Toledo, Ohio, John grew up in Naples and moved to Punta Gorda in 1973. He built a life defined by service, strength, and love. A lifelong law enforcement officer, he served 25 years as a Florida State Trooper and 10 years with the U.S. Marshals Service. He also worked as a security officer at Port Charlotte High School.
John was stoic, funny, and lovable, the kind of steady presence you could count on and the kind of person who made people laugh without even trying. He loved aviation, holding a private pilot’s license and serving as a past Commander of Charlotte County Civil Air Patrol. John and his wife, Joyce, spent many years traveling around the world in John’s quest to visit as many airports as possible. The family joke was that dad never cared where they traveled as long as an airplane ride was involved.
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Joyce Ross, his son Jim, his daughter-in-law Alicia, and his son Jordan.
The family has decided not to hold a public service. They plan to distribute his ashes around the world in all of his favorite travel destinations.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in John’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
