John M. Faris

Lieutenant Commander John M. Faris, age 73, passed away on June 19, 2021. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Nell and Donald Faris, and brothers Jim and Don Faris. He is survived by his wife, Adele Faris, his daughter Jennifer Feece (Jeff), step-daughters Deanne Garcia (Luis) and Lisa Leavitt (Dustin), and his grandchildren Ileana, Fernando, Sofia, Niomi, Alex, Tyler, Zach, and Rachel.

Born in Belmond, Iowa, on September 5, 1947, John spent 20 years serving his country in the Navy where he became a Lieutenant Commander. After this, he continued his service as a beloved NJROTC teacher where he touched the lives of countless students and became a mentor to many. He transplanted to Florida, eventually spending several years barefoot in the sand in Key Largo.

In 2014, John married the love of his life, Adele Faris, and took on her grandkids as if they were his own. He then spent eight years surrounded by a loving family fishing, drinking the cheapest whiskey restaurants would serve him, and being an amazing husband, father, grandfather, and friend to those he loved.

Lieutenant Commander Faris was a fighter to the last, and died quietly at his home in Rotonda West, Florida, with his loving wife and grandson beside him after a courageous battle with cancer. In lieu of flowers or donations to the family and in remembrance for his love for kids, honorary donations in his name may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s’ Hospital. To his former students, friends, and anyone whose life he touched, don’t forget to put on a John Wayne movie and make a toast to John with a shot of the cheapest whiskey you can find.