John Thomas Venosh

Retired Police Officer John Thomas "Bubba" Venosh was born in Rochester, N.Y., and graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School in Rochester. He played minor league baseball (shortstop) for a short period of time before joining the United States Navy.

Officer Venosh is survived by his Fiancé (Divinia Murphy), three children (J.T. Venosh Jr. – current JSO Integrity/Special Investigations Detective), daughters (Laura Swanger and Brita Miller), and two grandchildren.

While with the Navy, he served as an enlisted Communications Officer during Vietnam and was a heavyweight boxer where he was recognized as a “Fleet Champion” (1972-1975).

After being honorably discharged from the Navy, he joined the J.S.O. (March 1976) where he started as a Patrolman. He was also assigned as a detective in the Vice and the Robbery unit before returning to Patrol.

While with the JSO, he represented this agency in a “Night of the Toughest” boxing competition where he won his heavyweight bout and was also a Running Back for the JSO “Magnum Force” football team in the 1980s. In 1984, Officer Venosh was recognized as the State of Florida “Officer of the Year”. He was one of the original trainers for Guns and Hoses. On March 1996, Officer Venosh retired from the JSO after serving 20 years with the agency.

After retiring from the JSO, he sold cars for a Dodge dealership off Blanding Blvd., owned a lawn service (V’s Lawn service), owned a painting service, worked for a transportation security company based in Miami, and was also a DOD Police Officer in Mayport where he served as their training Officer.

When he finished his tour as a DOD Officer, he enjoyed his quality time with his family and friends until his passing.

If you remember listening to the Greaseman show on the radio, he appeared on it.

The memorial service will take place on Saturday, April 29, 2023, celebrating his amazing life.

Our family knows the best way to honor him is to celebrate his life, sharing memories over his favorite meal: pizza. He always said he wanted us to be happy for him when he left this Earth, and find peace knowing he is in a better place. He loved pizza and storytelling, so we hope you bring your appetite and any Bubba stories you would like to share.

This casual gathering will be at the Cody Family Enrichment Center located at 4152 Loretto Road, Jacksonville, FL 32223 from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM.

Pizza, beer, soft drinks, water, and dessert will be served. From 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM, guests will have food available upon arrival. At noon, we will present a video slideshow of John. At the conclusion of the slideshow, the remainder of the service will be an "open mic" opportunity for anyone who would like to tell a story about John.

Graveside Service: Thursday, March 30, 2023, at 9 A.M. at the Jacksonville National Cemetery (4083 Lannie Rd.) The United States Navy and JSO honor guards will be present as well as Chaplain Clarence Jarrell. This will be a small, 30-minute, graveside service. Space to attend is limited. If you would like to attend, please contact the family with the below information.

Lastly, the family thanks you all for the kind words, prayers, and support received these last few weeks. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions via phone or text to (904) 497-6280.