John Douglas Ibach

John Douglas Ibach, 97 years young, known to his family and friends as Poppy, was welcomed into Heaven on April 29, 2020 at 5:13 pm at Ascension St. Vincent's Southside Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida.

He was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on January 13th, 1923. After graduating from Clay High School in Green Cove Springs, he served in World War II in the United States Coast Guard. He said he was a member of several divisions of the military; he enlisted in the Coast Guard, was in the Seabees (Construction Battalion), wore a Marine uniform when they landed on the Pacific beaches and was stationed on a Navy ship. He was so proud of that. He enjoyed a long career in construction as a carpenter, superintendent and city building inspector. He had a lot of integrity, a great work ethic and was a hard worker. He was very proud that he worked with his dad, three brothers and nephew. They had the reputation of being some of the best carpenters and superintendents in the local Carpenters Union.

He was a devoted member of Hogan Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida where he was a deacon, usher and greeter. He welcomed everyone with his wonderful smile and thanked you for coming when you left. He enjoyed working with the children in Children's Church and with the Royal Ambassadors (RA's). He loved to mentor the young men he taught in Sunday School. He also sang in the choir and even helped build Hogan. He was a member of the American Legion, the H2U Club at Memorial Hospital, and a very loyal member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters for 78 years. Because of his patriotism and love for his country and the military, he initiated the opening of the USO office at the Jacksonville International Airport. He loved the Coast Guard Sector at Mayport and liked going there to visit and encourage the Guardsmen.

He enjoyed reading, working, genealogy, history, music, drawing, bowling, teaching, traveling, camping, raking, making up poems and riding his bicycle (until age 93) for exercise and to visit with the neighbors. He played the harmonica for years. He never met a stranger and loved talking to people about Jesus. He loved reading his Bible every day and was a lifetime learner. One of his family traditions was wearing his red vest on Christmas Day, which he did for at least fifty years every Christmas.

After retiring at 62 from construction, he and his wife, Aline, delivered air freight and misplaced luggage from the airport for over 30 years until he was 93.

He absolutely adored Aline. She was the love of his life. They were married 72 years. They married when she was 17 and in the 11th grade, and he was 24. He liked to brag that he signed her report card for her last two years of school. The two of them made a great team. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He loved his family and friends. He has been described as a very kind, loyal and friendly man who liked to help people and share his wealth of wisdom and interesting stories.

He is survived by his devoted wife Aline Carter Ibach, two daughters Susan (David) Hill, and Anna (Steve) Wilcox; grandchildren, Jonathan (Jill) Hill, Jacob (Amy) Hill, Jessica (Brandon) Alligood, Joshua Wilcox, Justin (Jade) Wilcox, and Jeffrey Wilcox; great grandchildren, Drew Hill, Emily Rae Hill, Kinsley Hill, Reese Hill, Easton Alligood and Bailey Alligood; and many other relatives, including nieces and nephews who loved their "Uncle John" very much.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Ascension St. Vincent's for their care and support; and also, to his caregivers and the VA for their wonderful help over the last two years.

In response to many inquiries about memorial donations and sympathy contributions, the family requests donations be made to purchase Gideon Bibles. Please make your check payable to either Gideons or Hogan Baptist Church and mail to Hogan Baptist Church, 8045 Hogan Road, Jacksonville Florida 32216. Please mark on your check in memory of John Ibach.

A private graveside service was held at Greenlawn Cemetery with immediate family. Due to the coronavirus, a celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

SEMPER PARATUS

(Always ready)

Coast Guard Motto