John Joseph Harrison Sr

John Joseph Harrison Sr., age 86, of Tarpon Springs, FL, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2024, at HCA Bayonet Point Hospital following a stroke. He was born on October 9, 1938, in Jersey City, NJ, to Joseph Harrison and Adele Soika.

On October 3, 1958, John married Virginia Harrison in Arlington, Virginia, and together they shared 57 beautiful years of marriage until her passing. He is survived by his daughter, Tina Morgan (Mark); grandsons, Raymond Spackman III (Angelyna) and Jeremy Spackman (Sammi); granddaughter, Kayla Sizemore (Chris); and great-grandchildren, Richard, Tyson, Tristan, Abigail, Hope, Faith, and Alexander. John is preceded in death by his loving wife, Virginia, and his only son, John Harrison Jr.

A true jack of all trades, John embraced nearly every field during his lifetime. His most notable titles include serving as a paratrooper in the Army, and later as a helicopter mechanic and communication specialist in the Air Force. He was a dedicated member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and a lifetime member of the NRA.

John’s life journey took him from New Jersey and Virginia to Thailand and Hawaii before he settled in Florida. He was an adventurous soul, enjoying fishing, hiking, cave exploration, traveling, motorcycle riding, skydiving, and zip-lining. A lover of life’s simple pleasures, John also appreciated a good glass of wine and was known for his passion for collecting coins and firearms.

His proudest achievements were marrying the love of his life in 1958 and becoming a grandfather in 1990. John had a unique ability to light up every room he entered; his warmth and humor were unmatched. He often said that every battery should be tested, every meal needs potatoes, and that any life’s troubles could be solved with Lays potato chips.

John Joseph Harrison Sr. will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched with his vibrant spirit and enduring charm.