John Tyler Starling

John Tyler Starling, 81, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on June 28, 2021. Born in Columbia, S.C., John was raised in Jacksonville, FL where he built a successful commercial real estate company, John Starling Realty, which opened in 1975. John was respected in the real estate industry as a pioneer of office condominiums. He provided his clients with extensive packages including market intelligence, expertly identifying leading trends and opportunities.

John was an avid golfer, passionate Florida Gator and Jaguars fan, voracious reader and crossword puzzle enthusiast. He and his wife Nancy loved spending as much time as possible in their home in Boone, NC, which he called “Heaven’s Gate.” He was a loving father and husband, prioritizing family time and rescuing several animals over the years. He led his life based upon a philosophy derived from Robert Louis Stevenson’s quote: “To be what you really are and to become what you are capable of becoming are the only two ends in life.” Anyone that knew him would say he accomplished just that.

John is survived by his wife Nancy of 31 years, the love of his life; daughters Kay-Lynette Roca, Kelly Starling, Stacy McKinney and Kim Fields; sons Sean Starling, Scott Starling, and Chad Starling, as well as their spouses and eleven grandchildren; his brother Robert E. (Pete) Starling; and several nieces, nephews and extended family members. John’s family thanks Dr. George Camacho, the family physician, and the ICU nurses and doctors at Memorial Hospital.

The family will host a reception welcoming family and friends on July 17, 2021, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm, at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel & Cemetery. If desired, in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Jacksonville Humane Society or Heartland Hospice Care.