Mr. John Stephen Karsko, age 85 of Amelia Island, FL passed away Saturday morning, February 6, 2016. John was born January 18th, 1931 in Columbus, OH. The eldest of five children, he was born to the late Stephen and Erma Karsko. He was a graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Columbus, OH, class of 1948. After high school, Mr. Karsko enlisted in the United States Marine Corp where he served as a Drill Sargent. Upon his Honorable Discharge, he studied at Ohio University in Athens, OH, where he obtained his Bachelors of Science. He then enrolled in Law School at Ohio State University. Mr. Karsko began his career at Buckeye Union Insurance Company in 1958 under his mentor, Fred Jones and rose to the position of Executive Vice President over Surety Bonds and Claims until his retirement after 34 years of service. He met Joyce Kasner who was attending Ohio State University pursuing her Ph.D. program. They were married in September of 1960. In 1992, Mr. Karsko and his wife relocated to Amelia Island to enjoy their retirement. He enjoyed the majestic golf courses, travelling with his wife and logged many miles cycling. Above all, was his love of playing with his grandchildren on the beach. He was a member of Our Lady of Victory church in Grandview Heights, OH and St. Michael�s Catholic Church in Fernandina Beach. Along with his parents, Mr. Karsko was preceded in death by his son Stephen Karsko in 1971, a brother Bernard and his sister Nancy Priddle. He leaves behind his wife of over 55 years, Joyce Karsko of Amelia Island, FL, his daughter Lizan K. Brand and her husband Greg of Greenfield, IN and Patty Chavarria of Jacksonville, FL. His two sisters, Helen Hart and Mary Lou Medors, both of Fairhope, AL. His grandchildren, Taylor, Lauren, Nathan, and Lucy Brand. His nieces and nephews, Cabot Heart, Molly Nix, Daniel McGinnis, Kathy Reifies, Craig McGinnis, Sean McGinnis, Chris Medors, David Smith, and Pam Smith-Wojcik. The family will receive friends from 5-7 pm on Friday, February 12th at Oxley-Heard Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, February 13th at St. Michaels Catholic Church with Father Dan Guindon officiating. After the service the United States Marine Corp will conduct military honors, to be immediately followed by a reception at St. Michael�s Parrish Hall. If so desired, memorial contributions may be made in John�s honor. The family has two thoughts for your consideration. The Stephen Karsko Endowment fund at Otterbein University. This is a special scholarship fund set up in honor of his late son. Donations may be sent to Otterbein University, attention: Howard House, for the benefit of the Stephen Karsko Fund, at 1 South Grove Street, Westerville, OH 43081 The Boys & Girls Club of Nassau County. Donations may be sent to 1175 Lime Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. Please make note: In memory of John Karsko.