John Robert Lemire, 94
John Robert Lemire, 94 of Green Cove Springs, Florida, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 6, 2026.
John was born in Marquette, MI, to his parents, Maxwell Thompson and Olive Lemire. Following high school, John proudly enlisted in the United States Navy. After initially being stationed in Hawaii and California, he went to Maryland. He was later transferred to Pensacola, FL. During his time there, he commuted to Jacksonville, Florida, where he had settled his family. Later he was stationed at Cecil Field Base in Jacksonville, Florida. John retired with 31 years of honorable service and over 20 years of deployment. During his distinguished Naval career, he served during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Retired with honors as a Master Chief.
When he had time away from his duties, John enjoyed playing golf, and he played all over the country. After retirement, he continued his love of golf (he parred the17th hole at the TPC), lots of fishing, deep sea, at piers, in the jetties, and lakes. He spent many years traveling between Florida and Michigan to visit family.
Above all else, John cherished the time he spent with his children and grandchildren. He was the kind of grandfather who welcomed sleepovers, happily serving ice cream and French fries for breakfast. Also, teaching grandchildren how to drive (at a young age). John was an energetic and outgoing man who was well known for his wonderful sense of humor and many stories of his military days.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Maxwell Thompson and Olive Lemire, and his sons Richard Lemire, his son-in-law, Bill Ptack, and Robert Lemire. Brothers Donald and Edward Fezzey. He is survived by his daughters, Diane Counts (Randy), Sherry Dudley (Dave), and Susan Ptack; his sister Sharon Bennett (Don); brother, Teddy Fezzey; grandsons, Steven Lemire, Michael Russell, Gene Russell, and Josh Russell; granddaughters, Betsy Ross, Gennifer Plasky, and Tamara Vaughan; and 10 great-grandchildren.
A service will be held at 2:30PM on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at the Jacksonville National Cemetery. (4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218)
Arrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. Family and friends may share their condolences at: www.RHRFH.com / 904-284-7720