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John Zapf Obituary
John (Jack) Thomas Zapf, 89, beloved husband of Helen Jean Bagwell Zapf and father of Julie Hynes (Bob) and John Zapf (Judy) passed away peacefully on October 17, 2020.
Jack was born in Miami, FL to Al and Mary Zapf. He lived there until 1994 when he retired from the Biscayne Bay Pilots. He loved being a harbor pilot for 31 years and was acknowledged by his peers as an outstanding ship-handler. He was appointed by Florida Governors to multiple terms on the Florida Board of Pilot Commissioners and served as Chairman of that board and the Biscayne Bay Pilots. He was a proud US Army veteran and an active member and Deacon at North Shore Baptist Church, Miami and at Deermeadows Baptist, Jacksonville.
Jack was predeceased by his parents, and his brother, Al Zapf. He is survived by his loving wife Helen of 66 years, and his sister, Nita Robinson, his children, four Grandchildren, and three Great Grandchildren.
His Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am on Friday, October 23, 2020 at Deermeadows Baptist Church, 9780 Baymeadows Rd, 32256. He will be laid to rest at Jacksonville National Cemetery at a later date.
Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL (904) 288-0025. Please sign the guestbook at hgmandarin.com.
Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com
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Memories and Condolences
for John Zapf
Sponsored by Jacksonville.com.
3 Entries
Galen Dunton
October 21, 2020
Kym and I mourn the loss of a wonderful man, friend and mentor. I first met Capt. Zapf when I started working as the pilot consultant for the state of Fl. For the next 28 years, our friendship deepened and I learned so much from him. From his faith and love of God to his passion and knowledge for piloting, and his interest and challenges with his computer. Most importantly, our deep spiritual conversations are memories I will cherish. He was one of the best, and I will miss him terribly. Our thoughts and prayers are with his beloved Helen, John, Julie and the entire family whom he loved so much. His legacy lives on!
John (and Susan) Hall
October 21, 2020
In the more than 50 years I knew Jack, he was a father-figure, a client, a fellow Deacon, a volunteer working with Preschool children and a friend. Although we have been separated by many miles and many years, I mourn the loss of a kind and Godly man. Sue and I send our love and prayers to Helen Jean, Julie, John and the family.
Dr. Suzanne Gorgans Shaw
October 21, 2020
I am so sad to hear of Uncle Jack ‘s passing ! He was such a kind , tender hearted man who loved his family and loved the Lord ! All my thoughts and prayers are with you Aunt Helen Jean, Julie and John ! Suzanne Gorgans Shaw
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Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home - Jacksonville11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223
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