John Ferrell Fannin "Buck"

Buck was born to John Clark Fannin and Juanita Ferrell Fannin on January 16, 1940, in Jacksonville, Florida. His family later moved to Tampa, where he grew up and graduated from Plant High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, completed boot camp and combat infantry training at Parris Island, and served as a reservist until 1966.

While attending the University of Florida, an Alpha Tau Omega fraternity brother introduced Buck to his sister, Helen Virginia Burwell. Buck and Ginger married in 1960 and together raised a family of three children.

After graduation from college and a stint working in the family jewelry business, Buck entered law school at the University of Florida, where he developed a passion for the law and worked as editor-in-chief of Florida Law Review. Following graduation, he returned to Jacksonville to join the law firm Milam, Martin and Ade, where he practiced until 1976. He later established his own law firm, focusing on insurance defense and specializing in arson cases. Buck was a skilled trial lawyer, but most importantly he was a peacemaker who practiced with integrity, empathy, and professionalism. At the end of his life, some of his best friends were former partners, clients, and opposing counsel. Buck was recognized as a 50-year member of The Florida Bar before retiring from Fisher, Tousey, Leas and Ball in 2018.

An early leader in the Jacksonville running community, Buck founded the Gate River Run and directed the race for the first few years. He also served as president of the Jacksonville Track Club and ran several marathons, including the New York City Marathon and the Boston Marathon.

Buck’s other interests were many and varied, including history, golf, fishing, gardening, and family genealogy. He earned a master’s degree in history from the University of North Florida in 2006. Guitar was a constant in his life that he shared with his children, grandchildren and friends, even working up the courage to play in “open mic” nights in the last few years of his life.

Some of his best memories were enjoying time with his large family at his home on Pottsburg Creek. A beloved father and grandfather, his children are thankful for the life Buck led and the lessons he taught by example.

Buck is survived by his sisters, Joan Fannin and Kathleen Rogers (Kent); his three children, Laura Jacqmein (Jeff), Richard Fannin, and Jennifer Medley (Dean); ten grandchildren, Ben (Savannah), Olivia (David), Henry, Caroline (Luke), Anna, Clark, Julia, Cecilia, Amelia, and Joseph; two great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. His adored grandson, Jacob Dean “Jake” Medley, predeceased him.

The family is grateful to Community Hospice & Palliative Care and the team at Alice and T. O'Neal Douglas Center for Caring.

A celebration of Buck’s life will be held on Monday, August 25th, at 10 am at Legacy Lodge, Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Cemetery, followed by a brief graveside service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Buck’s honor be made to Jacksonville Humane Society (jaxhumane.org), First Coast No More Homeless Pets (fcnmhp.org), or Lakewood Church of Jacksonville, 6133 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32217 (lcjax.org) for “Jake’s Place” playground.