John H. Kauffman Jr.'s Obituary
John Howell Kauffman, Jr., “Bozie”, of Tavares, passed away on November 12, 2017. He was born in Grand Island, Florida where he lived for 89 years. He was a retired self-employed nurseryman, and owned, with his brother Frank, Grand Island Nurseries which was started by their grandfather in the 1950’s. As well as citrus and pears, John and his brother also developed varieties of Florida apples suitable for warm climates that were sold internationally. Under their management the nursery flourished until their retirement in 1992. Prior to and after retirement he and his wife Jeanne spent as much time as possible boating along Florida lakes and the St. John’s River.
John was one of the original members of the First National Bank of Eustis’ Board of Directors when it was established in 1956 where he served for decades. In his bank service he was particularly proud to be a part of the Budge Mead scholarship program awarding scholarships to deserving local high school seniors. He attended Eustis High School and graduated from Riverside Military Academy, later attending the University of Florida. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II where he worked in aeronautics. Flying was one of his biggest passions.
He was a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Eustis from his childhood throughout his adult life, and served on the Vestry of the church multiple times as well as on the Deanery Council of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida.
John is survived by his wife of 67 years, Jeanne Mendall Kauffman; their son, John Howell Kauffman, III, his wife Nance, and their children Johanna Focks, Jeanne Harrison and John C. Kauffman; his daughters, Linda K. Braley and husband, Rance, and their children Joshua Braley, Brenna Lee, John Braley, and Sara Copeland; Julie J. Kauffman; and Marjorie K. Carter and her husband, Jack, and their children Benjamin Carter, Martha Carter and Hannah Carter; and an additional fourteen great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother Franklin D. Kauffman and his sister, Julianne Watson.
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