John William Garris

John William Garris, 55, formerly of Point Pleasant died in his home on Thursday, April 29th, 2021 in Osprey, Florida. 

John was born April 30th, 1965 in Point Pleasant, New Jersey to Paul and Judith Garris. He was a 1983 graduate of Point Pleasant High School where he was the quarterback for the Panthers football team under the direction of legendary coach, Al Saner. Some may also know him by the name “Louie”.

Following graduation, John proudly served our country in the United States Navy. He was stationed in California assigned to the USS Fife; a destroyer tasked with escorting fleets of US ships and conducting surveillance. He was deployed to the Persian Gulf during his time at sea and was ultimately honorably discharged in 1987. 

John returned to New Jersey and began his career as a talented and meticulous carpenter where he reached his dream of owning his own company. John Garris Custom Builder, LLC was formed. John has built many custom dream homes for families up and down the Jersey Shore for the last 30 years. Moving to Florida in 2017, John continued his talent of custom carpentry on the West coast of Florida. 

John lived a joyful life spending quality time with family, traveling and relaxing in the family backyard oasis. He spent many years as an Offensive Line coach for the Golden Elks Pop Warner football teams in Point Pleasant. The stress of being a Mets and Giants fan just added to the fun. His four-legged best friend, Blu the German Shepherd, kept John company around the clock. 

John is preceded in death by his father Paul L. Garris, also a United States Navy Veteran. 

Surviving is his wife Darlene Vinciquarra Garris. Two daughters Rachael Jensen and her husband Andrew of Brick and Danielle Garris and her fiancé Michael Rybczynski of Virginia. His beautiful mother, Judith Holstein Garris of Point Pleasant. Three stepchildren Mitchell Remig of Point Pleasant, Jared Remig of Philadelphia and Cady Remig of Point Pleasant. His brothers Scott Garris and his wife Ellen of Brick; Stephen Garris and his wife Cynthia of Brick, Christopher Garris and his wife Heather of Point Pleasant and his sister Judith Jeffrey and her husband Patrick of Point Pleasant. Also, two grandchildren, Kehlani and Kamron along with several loving nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles. 

Viewing hours will be held on Sunday, May 9th from 3 PM to 7 PM at Colonial Funeral Home, 2170 Highway 88 Brick, New Jersey. Funeral services will be offered on Monday at 11 AM at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Brig. General Wm. C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations to “ No Dog Gets Left Behind” at http://ndglb.org/home.aspx in his memory would be appreciated.

Due to COVID-19 protocol, please be aware that mask must be worn at all times, social distancing must be maintained and there are capacity limitations. For the safety of all involved please limit your time in the funeral home and pay your respects briefly to allow the opportunity for others to do so as well.