Terry Fitch Vliek

Terry Fitch Vliek, of Jacksonville, FL, passed away on November 4, 2022 at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, in Jacksonville at the age of 87. Terry was born October 2, 1935 in Decatur, Michigan to John and Maxine Vliek. After graduating from Plainwell High School in 1953, he earned a history degree from Albion College in 1959.

Terry met his beloved wife, Jeanne Marie Carlson, while skiing on Gun Lake in Michigan. They were married in Kalamazoo, Michigan on July 29, 1961. Their 3 older children, Jeffrey, Katy and Ann, were born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Their youngest child, Terry John, was born in Cleveland, Ohio. The family moved to St. Paul, Minnesota before finally moving to Jacksonville in 1978, where Terry lived out his life in the same home for 44 years. Terry planted deep roots in Jacksonville, which he fondly referred to as “Paradise.” He started his own business, Surety Markets, Inc., in 1982, faithfully serving his clients for 40 years until his death.

Terry was a strong follower of Jesus and a faithful member of All Souls Anglican Church for 43 years. Many benefited from his teaching of Bible studies throughout the years. He was involved in Kairos Prison Ministry, where he served in both ministerial and administrative roles. He was an avid reader with an insatiable love of Scripture, always studying and learning. He loved history and sports. Though a fan of any good sports matchup, his greatest allegiances were to the Michigan Wolverines, the Florida Gators, and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Terry loved an adventure and loved to go on drives to see where the road would take him. He loved the water and spent much of his life skiing and boating.

Terry had an undeniable sense of humor. He could send out a zinger that would have people laughing and smiling for hours. He was quick-witted, clever and punny! His family could expect a simple question to be met with a very “Terry” response. They affectionately called these off-the-cuff, hilarious responses “Terry-isms.”

The greatest testimony of Terry’s life was practicing the truth of Christ that “everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” The most influential evidence of this mission was his faithful love and affection for his beloved bride of 61 years, Jeanne. They grew a large family, and he faithfully and unconditionally loved his 4 children and their spouses, his 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He welcomed and loved all who came through the door of his home, and indeed his large family brought many through the door.

Terry is survived by his devoted wife, Jeanne Vliek; his children, Jeffery Vliek of Jacksonville, FL; Katy (Steve) Hess of Sharpsburg, GA; Ann (Tim) Bishop of Valdosta, GA; and Terry John (Michelle) Vliek of Jacksonville, FL; and his sister, Adelle Vliek of Jacksonville, FL. He is also survived by his grandchildren Ryan (Greta) Bishop and their children Olivia, Josiah and Marshall of Valdosta, GA; Rachel (Kaleb) Riser of Sharpsburg, GA; Rebecca (Will) Couey of Dublin, GA; Thaddeus Vliek of Jacksonville, FL; Elizabeth Bishop of Valdosta, GA; Ellie Vliek of Tallahassee, FL; Maggie Bishop of Valdosta, GA; Stephen Hess of Sharpsburg, GA; Nathaniel Bishop of Valdosta, GA; Audrey Vliek of Jacksonville, FL; and Jane Vliek of Jacksonville, FL.

Terry will be greatly missed, but his family finds great comfort that the same promise of Christ that the thief on the cross could trust, is the same promise Terry trusted as he left his earthly body to be with the Lord: “Today you will be with me in Paradise.”

A visitation for Terry was held Tuesday, November 8, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223. A funeral service occurred Tuesday, November 8, 2022 at 12:00 PM, 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223. A committal service occurred Tuesday, November 8, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Mandarin Cemetery, Mandarin Road, Jacksonville, FL 32223.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to L'Arche

Jacksonville:

https://crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation?ApiKey=pub_14c2d0f8-91cc-11e9-9f3d-0aa640fb8062&WidgetId=2287616

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgmandarin.com for the Vliek family.