John Charles Sumner
March 25, 1956 – October 26, 2025
John Charles Sumner, 69, of Ponte Vedra, Florida, passed away in his home surrounded by his beautiful bride on Sunday, October 26, 2025.
Born on March 25, 1956, in Freeport, New York, John was the beloved son of Jefferson Davis Sumner and Kathleen “Toby” Constance Sumner. In his formative years, John could most often be found on the baseball field, at the hockey rink, or spending his summers at the beach. Those early days shaped the fun-loving, competitive, and loyal person he became.
After graduating from Freeport High School, John headed to Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, where he played hockey and joined Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE). His college years were filled with lifelong friendships, laughter, and memories that he loved to share.
John married Nancy Anne Crowley, and together they had two beautiful daughters, Ashley Marie and Allison Nichole. John was a loving husband and a devoted dad who always put his girls first. When Nancy passed away in 1990 after a courageous battle with breast cancer, John held his family together with quiet strength, humor, and love.
In 1995, John’s story took another happy turn when he married Karen Michelle Crowley in Chicago, Illinois. A couple of years later, they packed up and moved to Des Moines, Iowa, where John took a position with Meredith Publishing. Though leaving friends and family behind was hard, Iowa soon became home. Together, they made countless memories raising their girls, cheering for the Cyclones, and traveling the country—skiing out west, soaking up sunshine down south, and exploring so many places in between.
John was proud beyond words of Ashley and Allison. Both graduated from Iowa State University and built beautiful lives of their own in the Des Moines area, where they’re now raising their families. Becoming “Papa” to his three grandsons—Braylon, Braxton, and Jaxon—was one of John’s greatest joys. Whether it was breakfast dates, ice cream runs, or cheering from the sidelines, he was their biggest fan and best buddy.
After decades of success in the sales and publishing world—with Polaroid, Campbell Soup, Meredith (Better Homes and Gardens), and finally EBSCO (Wingscapes & Pradco)—John retired. But he wasn’t one to sit still for long. He found joy working at the Renaissance World Golf Resort in St. Augustine, Florida, where he greeted guests with his signature smile, quick wit, and genuine warmth. Everyone knew him, and everyone loved him—he was truly “the man around campus.”
John had a way of making every person feel seen, welcome, and valued. He filled every space with laughter, quick wit, and positivity. His famous catchphrases—“YOU DA MAN!” and “YOU DA WO-MAN!”—were more than just words; they reflected his genuine excitement for the people around him.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Jefferson and Kathleen “Toby” Sumner; his first wife, Nancy Anne Sumner; and his parents-in-law, George Daniel Crowley and Marylyn Anne Crowley.
He leaves behind his loving wife, Karen Michelle Sumner of Ponte Vedra, FL; his daughters Ashley (Randy) Blackford and Allison (Nick) Riesberg, both of Waukee, IA; his grandsons Braylon and Braxton Blackford and Jaxon Riesberg; his brother, Jeff (Sue) Davis Sumner of Sayville, NY and countless friends and family who loved him deeply.
John lived a full, beautiful life—one built on love, laughter, and connection. He made every moment count, and those lucky enough to know him will carry his spirit, his humor, and his heart with them always.
A Visitation will be held Friday, October 31, 2025, 11 am at Ponte Vedra Valley. A Chapel Service will begin at 12 noon, followed by a reception from 1-3 all at Ponte Vedra Valley.
There will also be a ceremony and burial to follow in Des Moines, Iowa in the coming weeks. More details to be shared.
In lieu of flowers, we would love for you to donate to The Foundation of Community Hospice and Palliative Care (Community Hospice Foundation).
