John C. York

John Calvin York, age 95, passed away peacefully at his home in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, on September 29, 2020, surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his son, Tommy York, brothers Carl York, Otis York, Joe York, sisters Eula McCurdy, Flodia Powell, Loreen Hansard and Georgia Coffin. John is survived by his daughter Judy (Dan) Michele, Clermont, FL, and sister Maxine Troxler, Chattanooga, TN; granddaughters Lisa (Jon) Ward, Tampa, FL and Amy (Jamie) Thurston, Haymarket, VA; and 7 great-grandchildren Isabella, Sophia, Nathan, Emma and Lucas Ward, Hayley Gray and Tucker Thurston; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and his dear care-giver Belinda Peterson, New Smyrna Beach, FL.

Born August 18, 1925, in Ider, Alabama, to the late William Eli and Bertha Beaty York, John was the eighth of nine children. After finishing school, he enlisted in the US Navy and served aboard the USS Gardiners Bay until the end of World War II. Following his military service, John attended Jewelry Trade School in Birmingham, AL. He became a skilled craftsman in watchmaking and diamond-setting, and for the next 43 years he owned and operated John C. York Jeweler, Inc., a successful jewelry business in Clermont, FL. John was very active in his community. Although he served his community in many capacities, he was very honored to be initiated into the Clermont Masonic Lodge, where he actively served for over 67 years.

When not working in the jewelry store, John enjoyed being outdoors. He particularly loved to fish, and also enjoyed traveling all around the world over the years. He was a family man, taking pride in all his daughter's and son’s endeavors. Upon retiring from his business, he moved to New Smyrna Beach, Florida, in 2000. John had a good sense of humor and enjoyed a good joke. He was a sweet, tenderhearted man with a twinkle in his eye. “Papa” loved his two granddaughters very much. They brought him much joy, especially when they gave him 7 great-grandchildren to entertain. John was well loved, well respected, and an Old Clermont icon who will be dearly missed by many.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Vitas Hospice Care – 2381 Mason Ave., Suite 100, Daytona Beach, FL 32117. Arrangements entrusted to Volusia Memorial Funeral Home – 4815 Clyde Morris Blvd. Port Orange, FL 32129. The family will have a private memorial service at a later date.