John D. Farmer III

John D. Farmer III, 76, passed away peacefully at home on June 28, 2026, in Jacksonville, Florida. He was born on November 5, 1949, in Savannah, Georgia, and spent more than 37 years serving and protecting the citizens of Florida through a distinguished career in law enforcement.

John began his law enforcement career with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office in October 1971, serving as a Deputy Sheriff for seven years. He then worked for the Internal Revenue Service before joining the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), where he dedicated the next 30 years of his career. Rising through the ranks to become a Special Agent Supervisor, John earned the respect of his colleagues through his integrity, leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to justice. John held a Master's of Business Administration Degree from the University of North Florida. He was well respected by those who worked alongside him and for him, and was admired as a leader who led by example. His decades of public service left a lasting impact on the many lives he touched. While working in Miami as Director of the HIDTA Center, he met Paula and their love story began.

Above all else, John was a devoted husband who dearly loved his wife and expressed that love in countless ways. Paula was always “his girl,” and together they shared 32 years together filled with love, laughter, travel, and treasured memories. John is survived by his beloved wife, Paula (Finley) Farmer; his son, John Joseph “Jay” Farmer; his sisters, Rhonda Wright Torelli (Mike) and Deborah Spaulding (Joe); and many nieces and nephews who loved and cherished him, all of whom will remember his strength, wisdom, and steadfast love.

Retirement did not slow John down. He continued to share his knowledge and experience as a professor at the University of North Florida and later worked with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, continuing his lifelong commitment to serving others and protecting children. John was also a Certified Public Accountant and provided Forensic Accounting for the State Attorney's Office.

Outside of his career, John embraced life with enthusiasm. He loved deep-sea fishing, water skiing, and snow skiing, and he found great joy in sharing those passions with his family and friends. Affectionately known as “The Captain” by his nieces and nephews, he spent countless hours teaching them to water ski and pulling them on tubes behind the family boat on Julington Creek, creating memories they will cherish forever. He also enjoyed attending classic car shows and took great pride in his 1957 Ford Thunderbird convertible. John was a member of the Elks Lodge #2605, Moose Lodge #42 and the National Association of Retired Cops (NARC).

John and Paula shared a love of travel, especially riverboat cruises, and one of his favorite adventures was taking Paula, his mother, Nell and his mother-in-law, Ellie on an unforgettable Alaskan cruise. Whether traveling with family or spending time with lifelong friends, John treasured the relationships he built throughout his life. He was fiercely loyal, and once you became John’s friend, you were a friend for life.

Although John was known for his professionalism and quiet strength, those closest to him knew another side as well. He had a wonderful sense of humor that often appeared when you least expected it, bringing laughter to family gatherings and brightening the day of those around him.

John will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family, his distinguished career in law enforcement, his commitment to mentoring others, and the kindness, integrity, and loyalty that defined his life. His legacy of service, honor, compassion, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during a viewing on Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32223.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home. Burial will immediately follow at Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32207.

John’s presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on through the family he loved so deeply, the friends whose lives he enriched, and the countless people he served throughout his remarkable life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Foundation of Community Hospice & Palliative Care, 4266 Sunbeam Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32257.