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Condolences:
Barbara Johns
Barbara Johns
Robyn & Doug Potter
May you find peace in the cherished memories. God bless.
Stephen and Nancy Posey
Jack was a dear friend to us and one of the finest Funeral Directors I’ve ever known. He cared deeply for his community always giving his heartfelt service to all. We will always remember him as we enjoy his great music, especially that of Glenn Miller !
Toundas and Tiliakos family
Will always miss him and remain in our memories at the marina restaurant and in our hearts.He was a trure gentleman and a kind friend.
Grace Lipman
Winona Harris Hutto
We love Jack. He would even attend our annual family reunion. May his family be blessed with comfort & love!!
Dave and Judy Steinmeyer
LeAnne, Jack loved you so much.
Dave and Judy Steinmeyer
We were shocked to here the news about such a dear friend and colleague. Heaven just got another angel!! Our condolences to Leann l, family and friends.
Becky and John Crawford
Wendall K. McGahee
It was always a pleasure to catch up with Mr. Heard, whether in Bosque Bello following a service or simply in passing around town. His kind and jovial personality is certainly worth remembering. He served his community well and has earned his rest. Prayers for God’s peace and love to Mrs. LeAnne, the entire Heard family, sorrowing friends, and his beloved staff of Oxley-Heard Funeral Home during this time.
Marylee Long
Jack was the most generous person we knew. I take comfort in thinking that he and Vernon are somewhere to gether listening to music.
Micki Smith
Craig Jordan
Sad to hear this. I was blessed to have been able to play bass in his orchestra while I was in college from 1990-1994 and still have have great memories of those times.
Travis Hastings
John J. Pugliese
Deepest condolences to the family. Alas my Brother.
Sandy Jones
Always a gentlemen with a kind smile.My condolences to the family.
Newsome Family
EVIE BREWER
RIP my friend. You will be missed.🩷
Kathy Bland
My concern to Jack’s family. He will be missed.
Kathy Bland
My condolences to the family. Jack will be missed.
Paul and Deborah Manning
Truely a southern gentleman. He'll be greatly missed!missed
Joy McClane
My heart is surely broken. I loved Jack my entire life. He was so kind, generous of heart and I always got a kiss and a hug from him, and that meant the World to me. Jack had a special Gift more making hard circumstances bearable somehow. He saw my Family through the loss of both my Parents, beloved relatives and Dear Family Friends. He was the Rock we all depended upon, and he never failed us. . And here we are now, without him. I will miss him awfully as will everyone who knew him. I love you Jack. Always have, always will. Bless you Dear Heart. The night sky will shine so brightly now that you are in the arms of God. With all of my heart ...Blessed Be. 🙏🫶🕊️🙏
Margo Story
May the eternal light shine upon him......RIP Jack.
Nelson McGahee
Borden and I join this long list of family and friends who will miss Jack. He was instrumental in our acquisition of a PV. Prior to that we had the honor to ride the Georgia 300 on a number of ocassions. Jack and Kevin knew the finer art of hosting us on the car. All trips were memories we will never forget. On one occasion I had requested to spend the night on the 300 at Orange Park. He had a better idea, since he had business on the south side of Jax he would stay on the 300 while I could spend the night at Fernandina at his home-what a gentleman-simply the best. So long my friend, I will miss you. RIP
Frank R. Dziama
I first became acquainted with Jack in the 90s when I was looking to purchase my own railcar. Over many years, the Jack I came to know was a true southern gentleman: kind, gracious, respectful, accommodating ... and always with a sparkle of humor in his eyes. He was one of those people that you consider yourself lucky to be called his friend. His counsel and comradeship will be sorely missed. Rest well, my friend ... until we meet again.
Nick Deonas
Phyllis Davis
Jack will be tremendously missed by the community he loved so well. He seemed to know everyone and everyone knew him. I have had the fortune (misfortune) to experience his caring attitude during some very difficult days for our family. My Dad, before his passing, was a big fan of Johnny Cash and every time Jack would see him he would tease him by calling him "the man in black." When my husband passed, Jack was there for me, personally guiding me through the process and ensuring that we were well taken care of by the excellent team at Oxley-Heard. Jack will be remembered as the true legend he was by all who knew him.
Elaine Chance
I was one of Mr. Heard caregiver and the short time I spent working with him was so meaningful. It’s was great to be of service to this loving family. Love to ms Lee Ann. Sleep well Mr. Jack.🙏
John P Manley
I had the pleasure of seeing Jacks private rail car in an Amtrak consist And I appreciate his dedication to private rail cars and to Masonry
Judy Brown Cox
Connie Laudel
So sorry to hear about Jack!
Sheila Peck Fewox
Ken Owens
For twenty years my dental office was next door to Oxley/Heard. Jack was a friend and will be missed by all in this community where he gave so much.
Jane Gurley
Dear Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Words are just not enough to say what Mr. Jack meant to this community. He will be forever missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ron Miller
Jack and I go back a long way. As a member of the LDS Church, I was often called upon to speak at or to conduct a service for a member. Jack was always so kind and supportative .We developed a friendship and always had time to talk or reminisce about old acquaintances. We both loved and collected classic cars and enjoyed talking about them.. Jack's smile and kind demeanor always brightened the room. It's no wonder that so many families trusted him to take care of their loved ones. I know I did. Rest in Peace until the Lord comes again.
Ron Miller
I go back a long way with Jack. As a member of the LDS Church, I was often asked to speak or conduct a funeral of a member. Jack was always kind to me
Jennifer coleman
Jack was such a caring individual and after knowing him for 25 years he was always asking how you are doing. May god bless the family at this difficult time. What a great man!
Michael Higley
Jonathan Mock
Fernandina royalty! Loved by all! We will miss you Jack!
Danny & Bonnie Lawhorn
Jack was a wonderful person, friend, and Masonic Brother and Shriner Heavens gain our loss R. I. P.
Denny G Jelsma
Jack was a good friend for years Jelsma Graphics made his Embroidery clothing for his rail car “Georgia 300”
Flo Ingram Hunter
If you've ever been inside WalMart, CVS, Publix or the like, when Jack Heard entered the building, you've witnessed the effect this one man had on our neighborhood. Out of nowhere, he'd be surrounded by people, he'd be shaking hands on his left, on his right, a veritable receiving line would form down the entry aisle. I never saw anything like it! I never knew Jack Heard but this essence of his spirit on any given day was all I needed to see to "know" him. Hope to meet you in the next life, Jack.
William Godwin
I've Been Friends with Jack since 1983 He was a good Man .He will Be Missed I was Blessed to have known him Rest in Peace ole Friend My a thoughts and prayers are with his Family.
Marcy & Bill Mock
Our sincere condolences to Leanne and all of Jack’s family. We met jack the first year he moved to FB and were such good friends for 50 years. He was such a wonderful person with a big heart. Rest in peace Jack. We love you.
Gary B Strohminger
Jack was a musician's musician, and a friend's friend. He was my inspiration when I started as a bandleader.
Mary Jo Shipp Hertsenberg
I have a lot of fond memories of family gatherings in Moultrie as we were all growing up. Seems like we were always headed there for vacation Bible school or some sort of family reunion. It was always so much fun when all the cousins got together. I remember Jack knew all the train schedules. When my father, who was aunt Mary’s brother became pretty ill, Jack loaded up aunt Mary and aunt Nell onto his train car and came to Houston so they could all see my dad again. It did turn out to be the last time he would see them when he passed away, pretty much all we had to do was call Jack and everything was handled and we so appreciated that we know that he is resting now and are so glad that he is at peace. I did not know Leanne very well but knew how important they were to each other and also knew what wonderful care Jack had in his last years.
Sharon Crews Ransom
Jack was an Amazing man and a true humanitarian. Jack served his community with pride and care. Jack will Always be loved and remember.
Jackson McQuigg
So sorry to hear of Jack's passing. My late father and I were friends with Jack from the private railroad car/railroad preservation world. Jack was always kind and welcoming to visitors to his private railroad car, the Georgia 300, including me. I was lucky enough to ride aboard that car and will always remember just how Jack filled that car with his great hospitality. He will be missed.
Richard and Gail Turpen
Leanne, our hearts go out to you. We shall always remember that little twinkle in Jack’s eyes when he smiled…especially when he looked at you. Richard first met Jack in Moultrie when as a police officer Richard would escort funerals for Jack. They became friends, Jack being the southern gentleman that he was. Richard and Jack enjoyed a love of music together and discussed it over many Florida/Georgia football games and family dinners. Jack was a dear friend and shall be missed but remembered always with a smile in our hearts.
Kevin Langton
I was privileged to work for Jack for almost 20 years on his beloved Georgia 300 private rental car he was truly a gentleman a very caring person and also a very generous person I am always grateful for having the opportunity to know in such a wonderful man and working for him he always treated me with kindness and love he was the epitome of a true Southern gentleman I want to thank Jack for giving me such wonderful memories and travels with him a man who has been truly loved by many in the railroad industry thank you for being such a wonderful friend you will always be missed
Richard F JAQUES jr
Friend !!
Angela Sills
Ronald Taylor
I met Jack in 1981 and enjoyed speaking with him when we could. He will be missed dearly in this community
Alex and Patsy Llarena
Jack was an amazing Southern gentleman and will be greatly missed by our community. May the Lord comfort his family and all those who knew him.
Harriet Bray
Saddened to learn of Jack's passing. What a wonderful man he was! My prayers are with the family.
Janice Carnley
So sorry to hear of Mr. Heards passing. He was an awesome person going out of his way to help those at the time of their loss. He helped me and my children plan my husbands burial. The world is a sadder place today. May he rest in peace.
Jeff Alford
Cecil Ray Hutto
So sorry to hear this ! Jack was a very Blessed friend to me. Rest In Peace,Jack !
Danny Lawhorn & Bonnie Lawhorn
Steve Russo
My condolences to Leanne and family. Jack was a wonderful man and brother. He will be truly missed by all that knew him. May he rest in peace and God bless him and his family.
Joe Palmer
A beloved fixture in Fernandina Beach. Rest in peace, Jack.
Leon Bland
Our prayers & condolence...Royal funeral services , Miami Gardens Fl
DeWayne Tucker
Jack was more than a friend he was always there to talk to even at the loss of a loved one he would always be there for your comfort at that time.he will be truly missed.i had a great relationship with him for over 50 years
Dr Tom and Marsha Woleshin
Robin Springer
Lyn Sharpe and Paul Mee
Jack was a wonderful man and important community member and will be greatly missed by so many. He took care of our family members in our times of need. It was always so nice to see Jack and LeAnne enjoying dinner at Baxter’s. Leanne, you were the perfect partner for Jack and God knew exactly what he was doing when he brought you two together. You and the family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Courtney McCranie
Jack will be missed, his compassion comforted us all
Marsha Joyner
I am saddened to hear of his passing. He was a pillar of Fernandina. So kind and sensitive to everyone. .
Amy Pipkin
Rest in Peace kind sir, what a legacy he has left. His kindness will forever be appreciated from so many. He truly left a mark in our community❤️
Willi & Faye Flannery
Nancy Squires-Moran
I had several classes with Jack. His brother, Buck, dated my sister. His mother and my mother were friends. Jack and I participated in the senior class play. My prayers and condolences are with the family. Praying God’s peace and strength surrounds them during these sad times.
Marian Phillips
So many memories of Jack. He always called me "suga" in his sweet southern voice. Mike Lee and I with our son Wyatt lived across the street from tbe funeral home at EJ Smiths apartments. He and Harold Brackett took care of so many families here in Fernandina and Nassau County. He would eat with the familes after the funerals looking forwardto some southerncooking. He was a gentlemanof gentleman! Loved his love of old cars. Last time i saw him was Februarywhen he came to see the city take down AtlanticSeafood. He was with someonewho drove him. I wish I'd hugged his neck. My deepestsympathyto the familyand those at Oxley Heard. Love MarianPhillips.
wesley knight
a good man who will surely be missed
Susan Shannon
Rest in peace
Vic Lewis
Tim Lucey
Saddened for the community of FB. Jack was a stapleto the community help SOOO many families through his journey here on earth! My thoughts and prayers are with Jacks family and friends as well as the FB community with the loss of this get human!
Dorris Warnock
Jack was such a special friend in high school. I always loved it when he would come for our reunions. Ralph and I also loved visiting with him in Fernadina. We will miss him but we are thankful he is healed
Dickie and Shelly Anderson
A very special "Southern Gentleman" - He took such good care of those we have lost through the years. He will be missed hugely.
Malinda J Callihan
Was an awesome person and took care of all my family.
Nancy Reeves Usry
My heart is very sad today as I learned of the death of a wonderful, longtime friend. At the same time, I am most grateful that he is no longer suffering from that dreaded disease. Although it is not easy, I thank God for releasing him from it. He is now in his Heavenly Home and is at peace. We have shared many good times together, especially with our classmates. Jack never let anything stop him from coming to class functions. He was the life of the party with his wit and sense of humor...a great entertainer. He was also very smart and could discuss most any topic with anyone. He was one of those people who never met a stranger. He was kind-hearted, compassionate and one of those guys who would give you the shirt off his back. He was a hard worker and ran a successful business for many years. Jack was truly respected and loved by many. His greatest accomplishment, however, was marrying his precious wife, LeAnne. Their love for each other was awesome (we always kidded him that he should have married her sooner!) As far as our class goes, LeAnne is like one of us. She fit right in and participated in everything. What a loving, kind, caring lady she is! And, you can be sure she took good care of the love of her life, most especially these last several trying months. My heartfelt sympathy and prayers for LeAnne and other family. These next few days, weeks and months will not be easy as you grieve. May God bless you with strength, comfort and peace that only He can give. Call on us - your friends - any time, even if it is just to talk. Jack loved you and he would want you to go on with your life and be happy. You have many wonderful memories which will never fade. I love you and my heart is with you my friend ❤️ 🙏 💐
Bob Lovein
I remember Jack when he worked at the former McGowan Funeral Home in Valdosta. We have been funeral friends for many years and he was always most helpful when our funeral home needed assistance in Fernandina. Jack was one of the "old school" funeral directors. I once rode with him in his rail car from Jacksonville to Tampa for an NFDA annual meeting. What a memorable trip! Rest in peace my friend.
Mike mullin
Jack was fernandina. He made the community unique and represented the best in all of us. Never electrd except in our hearts. He made us smile and during sad times he lifted us up. As a friend he was one of a kind and can never be duplicated. All of us frlt bettrr knowing jack was there. The infamoud round table at the marina has another charter member in heaven!
Bob Lovein
I remember Jack when he worked with the former McGowan Funeral Home in Valdosta. He and I have been funeral service friends for many years. He was always helpful when our funeral home needed assistance in Fernandina. He was one of the last “old school” funeral directors!
Connie "Tucker" Enfinger
Jack and I went to church together and graduated from high school together. His family is in my prayers for comfort during this sad time.
JimTippins
Vickie Norman
LeAnne, I'm so sorry to hear this news. We all love you & Jack and have enjoyed our times together at our class luncheons, reunions, & other gatherjngs. Jack was an amazing man & I'm truly privileged to call him my friend. His talent entertained many & his loving spirit & compassion made him great at his chosen profession. Im sure he helped many families experiencing exactly what you are now. I hope that brings you as much peace as he's offered to others. I've always believed that the best thing Jack ever did was marrying YOU!!! I can't imagine a more caring & loving life partner. I pray that the many wonderful memories bring you comfort & joy. I love you so much. Please let me know if I can serve you in any way. & memories.s
Maureen M DeLoach
Christina Kent
I am so saddened to hear of Jack's passing. What an amazing man who accomplished so much during his time on earth. Kind, generous, hardworking, innovative, funny, and talented are just a few of the words that come to mind when I think of Jack. He touched the lives of so many people and leaves behind a remarkable legacy. My thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Sincerely, Chris
Shannon O’Conner
Jack has touched many lives and for generations from Georgia and To Florida. He was a good to myself and families.Fernandina has lost a great friend of the community. Jack may you rest in peace.
Nick Isabella
Man was always very good too me
Brenda Beard Brunner
LeAnne, I am so glad that you and Jack found each other. God knew you were the right one to be a partner, friend and caregiver to our much loved friend. Jack will truly be missed.
Jim and Nancy Mayo
Jack was a pillar of Amelia Island. He was a unique individual with many talents. The onr we all knew was a graceful personality designed to help families through the most difficult of transitions. God bless you Jack. May you rest easy.
Cervera Ferreira Burgess
Jack will be missed by us all. He was indeed like family to many of us.
Carolyn Oxley Grafton
I am simply devastated ….Jack was like a family member, and will be missed terribly.
John H. "Jack" Heard
2026-06-26
John Howell “Jack” Heard passed away peacefully at home the early morning of Friday, June 26, 2026.
Born October 1, 1948, he was the son of Howell Crane “Duck” Heard and Mary Catherine Shipp Heard of Moultrie, Georgia. He attended Colquitt County schools and was a graduate of the Moultrie High School Class of 1966. In his teenaged years, Jack became interested in funeral service after having worked a summer job at Henderson Funeral Home in Moultrie. He continued to spend summers and after-school hours learning at Henderson and upon completion of high school, he enrolled in the Texas College of Mortuary Science at Baylor University in Dallas. Jack graduated with his mortuary science degree in 1969, and returned to Georgia to gain his state certification and begin work as a licensed funeral director. He worked in Moultrie and at Ward’s Funeral Home in Gainesville, Georgia before the opportunity to take over at Oxley Mortuary in Fernandina presented itself. Jack then completed all requirements to be a licensed funeral director in the State of Florida and in 1974, became the owner of what would become Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors, serving the Nassau County and Fernandina Beach community until his death.
Jack was a member of the Amelia Lodge No. 47 F.&A.M, and had recently received his 55-year plaque. He had been a member of both the Hasan Shrine Temple in Albany, Georgia and the Morocco Temple in Jacksonville for over 50 years, was a long-time member and past-president of the Fernandina Beach Shrine Club, a long-time member of the Fernandina Beach Rotary Club and recipient of a Paul Harris Fellowship, an over 40-year member and Past Director of the Royal Order of Jesters Court No. 90 in Jacksonville, and held membership in the American Association of Private Railroad Car Owners for over 40 years, serving on the board, as president, and as vice-president and organizational liaison with Amtrak for over 25 years.
In the 1980s and 90s, Jack traveled the southeast as the leader of the Jack Heard Orchestra big band, playing in many resort venues and for events such as the Gasparilla Ball in Tampa, the Gator Bowl Ball in Jacksonville, and the Potentate’s Ball at Morocco Temple. In 2016, he gathered the band and began work on a collaboration of studio recordings which became known as “Happy Sessions”. Over ten years, the Jack Heard Orchestra released 12 CDs with more than 240 tunes.
In addition to his parents, Jack is pre-deceased by his nephews, Bailey Howell Heard and James Carroll Whittle, III, and father-in-law, Luther Eugene Feagin. He leaves behind his loving wife, LeAnne Feagin Heard; brother and sister-in-law, Franklin Shipp “Buck” and Lynn Heard; son, Benjamin Feagin Goodrich; daughter and son-in-law, Dia Jacquelyn and Matt Sayre; niece and nephew-in-law, Katherine “Katie” and Landin Marzolf; nephew and niece-in-law, William “Will” and Taylor Whittle; granddaughter, Jacquelyn “Jackie” Sue Sayre; mother-in-law, Jacquelyn Feagin; sister-in-law, Lisa Feagin; niece-in-law, Erica Corbett; great-nephew, Logan Marzolf; great-nieces, Celia and Ila Whittle; many beloved cousins, and “special daughter”, Ashley Marie Smith.
Funeral services will be held 11 AM Friday, July 3, 2026 in the Burgess Chapel of the Oxley-Heard Funeral Home, with Mr. John Drew officiating, and Masonic rites will be conducted by Amelia Lodge No 47. The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 PM and from 5 to 7 PM Thursday, July 2nd in the chapel.
Jack will be laid to rest beside his parents with graveside services to be held at 2 PM Sunday, July 5, 2026 at Westview Cemetery in Moultrie, with dear friend and high school classmate, Mr. Edward “Bubba” Acuff officiating and Baker Funeral Home assisting.
Those wishing may donate in Jack’s memory to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 North Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607 (shrinerschildrens.org).
Memories