John Gibbes "Daze" Vincent

John Gibbes Vincent, III "Daze", 72 of St. Augustine, Florida, passed away at his home on Thursday November 15, 2018 after a courageous battle with Lung Cancer. He was predeceased by his wife Suzi Wagner Vincent. John was the son of John Gibbes Vincent, Jr. and Elizabeth K. Vincent. He was a United States Navy veteran, serving in Vietnam from 1964-1970 during which time he served on the USS Charles R. Ware, DD-865, the USS Beale, DD-471 and the USS Skill, MSO-471. Upon discharge he served as a police officer with the Jacksonville Port Authority 25+ years until his retirement. He loved his country, helping people and doing the right thing. He was a mentor, friend, father, husband, and a realist, he touched many people throughout his life. John was also a Freemason of the Solomon Lodge No. 20 F. & A.M. in Jacksonville, Florida from 1967-2002 as a Master Mason. John also was a member of the Patriot Guard Riders of Florida, during his time as a PGR member he attended hundreds of missions in Florida, Georgia and other states. John worked up through the ranks and was appointed Florida State Captain in 2013. He retired from that position in 2017. During his tenure as SC, he attended missions almost daily, if required, and mentored several new Assistant State Captains, and eventually, his replacement. In 2017, John stepped down from SC and remained as a Senior Ride Captain continuing to support missions until his passing. John is survived by his son John David Stebbins of Jacksonville, FL; his daughter Kathryn "Kat" Michelle Alston (Jody) of Jacksonville, FL; his stepsons, Tommy Castle, Jr (Amy) and Robert Wagner; his stepdaughter, Virginia English (Jay); his sister Betty Ann Tyson (Erwin); 13 Grandchildren and 5 Great-Grandchildren. He leaves behind many, many friends, loved ones and family. It is not length of life, but depth of life (Ralph Waldo Emerson) and that is true for John G. Vincent, III "Daze" as the depth of his life reached far and wide. As he touched so many in his journey, so many also left their imprint on his heart. He will be sorely missed by all.
Services to be held at Jacksonville National Cemetery Friday, November 30, 2018 at 2:30 pm. In lieu of Flowers please make donations in his name to the Patriot Guard Riders of Florida at 16027 Ressie Drive West, Jacksonville, FL 32218.