John L. Stevenson, 80, of Fernandina Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on December 25 at the Warner Hospice Center, Fernandina Beach, FL, surrounded by his loving family. A native of Fernandina Beach, John was born on April 18, 1945. He was preceded in death by his parents, Shellman Ross Stevenson and Theo Eunice Rutishauser Stevenson and his older brother, Shellman Paul Stevenson.

John graduated from Fernandina Beach High School (FBHS) in 1963, where he was a multi-sport athlete, participating in football, baseball, basketball and track. Following high school, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, stationed in West Germany with the Army Security Agency during the Cold War in the battle against communism.

After his military service, John continued his education at St. Johns River Community College and the University of West Florida, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. In 1970, he married his college friend (the love of his life), Katherine “Kathy” Jane Robinson of Green Cove Springs, Florida. The couple made their home in Columbus, Georgia, where John began a long and successful career with State Farm Insurance.

John worked for State Farm for 34 years as an Insurance Fraud Investigator before retiring in 2004 and returning to Fernandina Beach. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and nothing brought him greater joy than his family. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Kathy; their daughter, Hilary (Caleb) Kerr of Fishers, Indiana; and twin sons, Ross (Sheryl) Stevenson of Yulee, Florida, and Neil Stevenson of San Antonio, Texas. He is also survived by three beloved grandchildren, Henry and Eli Kerr and Amelia Stevenson, and his sister-in-law Brenda Stevenson.

John was deeply involved in the Boy Scouts of America, where he served as Scoutmaster and played an instrumental role in helping both of his sons earn the rank of Eagle Scout. He enjoyed fishing, golfing and flying, and was widely admired for his remarkable ability to fix nearly anything. He could often be found passing the hours tinkering in his workshop or people watching while sitting on his front porch. Known for his quick wit and unique sense of humor, John was humble, and brought warmth and laughter wherever he went. He and Kathy enjoyed many travel adventures to Alaska, Hawaii, the United Kingdom and across Europe. They also enjoyed traveling with a group of very special friends. He was an active member of Trinity Anglican Church and demonstrated his lifelong commitment to his alma mater by organizing and leading the Fernandina Beach High School Alumni Football Boosters for several years. A gifted storyteller, John loved reminiscing about his childhood growing up in sleepy Fernandina with fellow ’63 alumni, family, and friends.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to the Warner Hospice Center at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Fernandina Beach.