John Stephens, Jr.

JOHN STEPHENS, JR.

December 23, 1947 ~January 25, 2023

With heavy hearts, the family of John Stephens Jr., announces his passing on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at 75 years of age. John Stephens Jr. often referred to as “Big John”, was loved by many. John was born on December 23, 1947, in Waterbury, Connecticut to father John Stephens Sr. and mother Josephine Stephens, who both preceded him.

His passion for the military brought him to serve his country when he graduated high school. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1966 as a Weapons Maintenance Tech & Armament installer, and loader and traveled to multiple duty stations throughout the Pacific. While in Korea, he met his wife, Nam Suk. They would soon travel back to America and settle in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Soon after, they gave birth to a baby boy, John Jr quickly announced their son’s name as “John Stephens III”.

John was an amazing, loving father. He was always looking for an event to bring his son to. Fishing tournaments, Air Armament Museum, car shows, air shows… really anything that involved the Air Force or cars.  This love of sharing experiences carried on to his granddaughters. He always loved to hand them matchbox cars he collected or unique coins that he came across. All of which had a unique story or history lesson that he loved enlightening their little minds.

After retiring from the Air Force after 20 years, John still wanted to work. He had an entrepreneurial spirit and vision. Most of his ideas were just that--ideas. However, many years after retirement, one suggestion led to being one of the best ideas he had ever suggested. “Let’s buy a watersport business.”, John said. With a little convincing, his son and mom went along with the idea. Twenty years later, they now own and operate one of the most respected watersport businesses in the area.

The life John lived was extraordinary and the people who had the opportunity to meet him were truly lucky. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Nam Suk Stephens; son & wife, John Stephens III, and Ali; adopted daughter, Jennifer & Yong Mok Lee; 3 grandchildren: Skyla, Savannah, Delaney, and Leilani, his brother, Jim Stephens, and sister, Janice McNabb.  A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 3, 2023, at McLaughlin Funeral Home at 17 Chestnut Ave SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL.  A viewing will be from 12-2 pm.  Service will be at 2 pm.  He will be laid to rest at Barrancas National Cemetery on February 15th at 11:30 am.  In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to help the Air Force Armament Museum Foundation, by emailing usafamf@gmail.com or calling 850-651-1808.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Stephens, Jr., please visit our floral store.