John W. Whitlock, Jr.

John W. Whitlock, Jr.

John W. Whitlock, Jr.

January 03, 1953~June 05, 2018

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.

Condolence

Myrtle & Al Messina (Friends)

June 8, 2018, 12:00 am

We will miss you sweet and dear friend. I know you'll be up there singing with CJ.

Bob Hutchcraft (Dear friend, buddy, coworker)

June 9, 2018, 12:00 am

Donna and family, a part of my heart was removed on June 5th. I owe so much to JW more than you will ever know. As I sit here teary eyed but joyful to have had John in my life , I will always remember him as a big Teddy bear who was so instrumental in the development of my career. He always had time to mentor me and not timid to tell me to get my head out of my ass. I love him for that. Our memories together will always be with me. I love and will always miss you big Teddy. Hutch

David Wilson (Friend)

June 9, 2018, 12:00 am

Thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. John was special and will be missed. Love you all from your extended family in St. Louis.

Mary and mike Schuetz (Cousin )

June 9, 2018, 12:00 am

Our Hearts go out to Johns family and friends at this most difficult time . We pray that they will find comfort in all the good John did while on this earth ♥️🙏🏻🙏🏻

Joe & Dee Reiser (Friend)

June 9, 2018, 12:00 am

RIP John. You were loved by many.
So sorry for your loss Jim and Betty. You’re in our thoughts and prayers. Safe travels there and back. Love you both. Xoxo Joe & Dee.

John & Jill Wendt (Jim & Betty are friends)

June 9, 2018, 12:00 am

Our sincerest condolences to your family! Keep all the memories that you have of John in your heart! Love you guys, John & Jill

Jan Christenberry (Missouri Friend)

June 9, 2018, 12:00 am

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Whitlock family and all of his St. Charles friends. I will always remember the fun times with John way back when in St. Charles. Such a great guy!

Sean and Spring Lynch (Cousin)

June 10, 2018, 12:00 am

Thoughts and Prayers to the family during this difficult time. Hold all the memories you have of John close to your heart forever.

Mary and Larry Hammontree (Jim Whitlock’s brother and sister-in-law)

June 10, 2018, 12:00 am

Jim and Betty, Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family. What a loss of a beautiful man.

Sean and Spring Lynch (Cousin)

June 10, 2018, 12:00 am

Thoughts and Prayers to the family during this difficult time. Hold all the memories you have of John close to your heart forever.

Gina & John Macchitelli (Friend)

June 10, 2018, 12:00 am

Our heartfelt condolences to Donna and John’s family. And,,to his family at Sunstar.
John was a sweet, funny,
kind and special man. He will be greatly missed.

Dennis Roth (My Friend and Coworker)

June 10, 2018, 12:00 am

Jimmy, Mike, Cookie & Donna,
There are simply “no words”. John was the reason I started my career in the medical field. His passion, devotion and love for helping others inspired me to
choose the path I had taken today. I have never met a man more devoted in helping others then John. He encouraged and mentored me to be the best…and he was the best.
Thank you John for helping me become the person I am today. You will be greatly missed but never forgotten my friend. Rest in Peace!
Dr. Dennis Roth

Debbie Digby (cousin and employee)

June 10, 2024, 2:13 pm

John was a good boss at ambulance district and was rough and humble. Hope he is better off in heaven.

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