John passed away in the early evening on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 after a brief illness.
He was born January 31, 1931 in Anoka, Minnesota to James and Molly Hyatt. After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served as fire fighter. His service took him to Colorado, Nebraska and Morocco. He married the former Helen Sczepaski on June 14, 1957 and they remained married until her death in 2024. Together they had 3 Children: Debra Leonard (Michael) and Shelly Kersch both of Jacksonville, and David Hyatt of Naples, Florida. He has 4 Grandchildren: James Taylor (Jessica Carroll), Austin Wilchar (Angel), Ashley Edwards and Chad Kersch, all being of Jacksonville.
He was predeceased by his daughter Shelly and his sister Sally.
John’s career after the Air Force involved many different avenues. He worked as the credit manager for Josten’s, the School Ring Company in Owatonna, Minnesota. This job lead to many interesting encounters, not only involving School Rings but in collecting for the cost of Super Bowl rings from the Green Bay Packers that had him on the phone with Vince Lombardi.
In 1973 he relocated with his family to Jacksonville, Florida where he worked as credit manager for Irvington Moore for several years before becoming involved in property management.
John enjoyed yearly vacations with his family when the kids were younger and numerous trips to Las Vegas with Helen as the kids left the house. Later years meant many cruises and their lifelong dream of going to Hawaii. Over his life he loved hunting and fishing and Vikings and Jaguars football. Throughout his life he contributed to the community in small subtle ways, as a boy scout leader, a member of the republican party and through the Lutheran Church which he was a member.
Services will be held at the Shepherd of the Woods Lutheran Church on January 10th at 10:30AM followed by a lunch and reception. Inurnment will take place at Jacksonville National Cemetery on Monday, January 12th at 10:30 AM in Lane 1.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Shepherd of the Woods Lutheran Church or Community Hospice of Jacksonville.
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