John W. Whitlock Jr. of Palm Harbor, FL, and formerly of St. Charles, MO, was called to heaven on June 5, 2018, at the age of 65. John is survived by his life partner Donna Morrison (Meg and John), his sister Sharon “Cookie” Stahlschmidt of NC, his brother Jim (Betty) Whitlock of AZ, and his brother Mike (Susie) Whitlock of MO. He also leaves behind many dear cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

John was preceded in death by his beloved parents John and Anna Mae (Melton) Whitlock Sr., sister Pat and brothers-in-law Lee Beeson, and Paul Stahlschmidt, as well as his dog Jackson.

John lived his life to serve others. He started his career as a flight medic with a MASH unit in the U.S. Army. After his military service, he pursued a career in EMS with the St. Charles County Ambulance District and rose through the ranks to become CEO. He received national recognition as EMS Administrator of the Year finalist, Missouri State Administrator of the Year, and Missouri EMS Organization of the Year. Upon leaving St. Charles County Ambulance District and moving to Florida in 1998, he reconnected with childhood friend Gary Williams and began his Sunstar career as a critical care paramedic. He rose to the rank of Operations Supervisor in 2005 with his most recent assignment as Lead Supervisor for the North Hub operation.

John was strong, respected, loyal, humble, and compassionate. He was a gentle giant, a giver and healer who loved caring for and helping people. He was a leader and mentor who loved to share his knowledge and experience to empower his colleagues. He had a great sense of humor, a big smile and a service heart living every minute of his life to the fullest. A private and spiritual individual, John had a tough exterior and a kind, generous soul. He loved his work and work family, and his team knew he had their back. He led by example and he set an example. When he arrived on the scene of an accident, there was always a sigh of relief.

John cherished his friends and his life and home with his soulmate Donna. Reconnected after 28 years, they enjoyed traveling to St. Louis, Chicago, North Carolina, Arizona, Key West, Savannah, Nashville and Nevis. They loved boating through the Freedom Boat Club, fishing, Anclote Beach, singing karaoke, and hosting and entertaining family and friends. They packed a wonderful lifetime of memories into just a handful of years. John treasured his sisters, brothers, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, as well as his many nieces and nephews and their children. He had friends in St. Charles and Palm Harbor that he loved as family including his Rum Runners karaoke family. He adored his lifelong best friend and side-kick of 55 years Jim Colombatto.

John loved to work in the yard and could fix or grow anything. He loved music and had a beautiful voice. He was also an expert marksman who enjoyed shooting at his gun club. As president of the Klosterman Oaks Homeowners Association for the past several years, he was always willing to lend a hand to any friend or neighbor who needed it. He will be greatly missed.

Please note NEW TIME AND LOCATION:

Family will receive friends Monday, June 11th from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. with a Celebration of Life service beginning at 3:00 p.m. at Mt. Hermon Missionary Baptist Church, 400 South Levis Ave., Tarpon Springs, FL.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John W. Whitlock Jr. may be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation, Wounded Warriors, or the Make-a-Wish Foundation.