John Dyrssen

DYRSSEN- John N. Dyrssen, 84, renown local fishing guide, passed away with dignity and grace on 6/7/11. Born on 3/31/27 in Lexington, Mo., John graduated from Lexington High School in 1945, where he lettered in football and basketball. After high school, John served in the U. S. Marie Corps and then began a highly successful career at Vendo, an affiliate of Coca-Cola. Beginning as a factory worker on the night shift, he rose to become the company’s top sales producer. After moving to Jacksonville, John retired from Vendo and devoted more than four decades to fishing for trout and reds along the Intracoastal from Ponte Vedra to the jetties, soon becoming recognized as one of the top inland fishing guides in Jacksonville. He was a regular contributor to local fishing reports and has been featured in the fishing magazine, “Saltwater Sportsman”; the TV program ,“ Out the Door with Monroe Campbell”; the 1993 Chamber of Commerce sponsored book, “Jacksonville: Center for Enterprise Excellence on Florida’s First Coast”; and in numerous articles by Jacksonville sportswriters Dick Busey, Bob McNally, Joe Julavits, and Wimpy Sutton.

John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Gretchen, his daughter, Mari, and his son-in-law Charlie Gear.

He was preceded in death by his twin sons, Paul and Steve in 2000 and 2010.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Lexington, Mo. In lieu of flowers or other remembrances, memorial contributions to the Community Hospice of Northeast Florida would be deeply appreciated in recognition of the care and compassion given to John by the staff at its McGraw Center.

Remember John when the tide is right and the fish are biting.

Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, Jacksonville Beach.