John Monroe Stitt lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service. A devoted husband, father, beloved Papaw, mentor, and friend, he touched countless lives with his steady guidance, generous spirit, and deep love for those around him.
Born in Seattle, Washington, in 1938, John moved with his family to South Florida at an early age, settling in Miami Springs. As a teenager, he helped his father develop family land near Clewiston into a thriving cattle operation—an experience that sparked a lifelong dedication to agriculture and stewardship of the land.
After graduating from Clewiston High School, John earned a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in Animal Production from Texas A&M University. Following service in the Air Force Reserve, he returned home in 1964 to manage the family ranch, beginning a career that reflected both hard work and deep commitment to Florida agriculture.
John and his wife, Sandra, built a loving home and raised three daughters, all of whom were involved in ranch life. He was known for offering wise counsel—often delivered with animated “encouragement”—and for showing up wholeheartedly for his family. Whether driving the ski boat, chaperoning livestock judging trips, attending horse shows, or helping wrangle show steers at the county fair, John created memories that his family will cherish for generations.
As the years passed, cattle operations evolved into sugarcane and citrus farming, yet John’s role as a steward of the land and advocate for South Florida agriculture remained constant. He was deeply respected throughout the agricultural community for both his leadership and vision. Outside of work, his greatest joy was fishing, and some of his happiest memories were made on trips to the Florida Keys and the Bahamas with family and dear friends.
John gave generously of his time and talents to his community. A faithful and active member of First Methodist Church of Clewiston for more than 60 years, he also helped organize the South Florida Agricultural Council and played an instrumental role in establishing the UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center. He held many leadership positions in the county and state Florida Cattlemen’s Association, was a trustee of Florida SouthWestern State College, and was an active supporter of the local and state Florida Farm Bureau. In 2022, he was inducted into the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame.
John is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Sandra Willis Stitt; his daughters, Jennifer Stitt Mays and her husband, Steve Mays, and Rachel Stitt DeMay and her husband, David DeMay; and his cherished grandchildren, Madison DeMay, Luke Mays, Allison Mays, and Jackson DeMay.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William Tillman Stitt and Christova Sawyer Stitt; his sister, Elizabeth Stitt Johnstone; and his daughter, Melissa Stitt.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 16, at 10:00 a.m. at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Clewiston, followed by a gathering at the First Methodist Church of Clewiston.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the First Methodist Church of Clewiston.
Joyce Highsmith Jones (99) passed away peacefully at her home on May 12, 2026.
Born in Jacksonville, Florida, on March 18, 1927, Joyce was the oldest of Louise and Everett Highsmith’s six children. Two of her sisters survive, Shirley Turknett of Melbourne, Florida, and June Hough of Walla Walla, Washington.
Joyce married Harold Jones in 1945, and they had four children, all of whom survive her: Susan (Scott) Cooper of LaBelle, FL, Robert (Susie) Jones of High Point, NC, Mark (Gail) Jones of St. Augustine, FL, and Greg (Bonne) Jones of St. Augustine, FL. Joyce has eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Joyce was truly the matriarch of the Jones clan, always supportive and welcoming.
Joyce and Harold made their home in Mandarin, Florida, where they farmed and raised their children. After the farm operations moved to St. Johns County, they moved first to Summer Haven, Florida, then Elkton, Florida. After Harold’s passing in 1988, Joyce moved to St. Augustine.
In 2019, Joyce moved to LaBelle to live near her daughter Susan and her husband Scott. She loved visits from her extended family, riding her tricycle, and lying in her hammock to enjoy the outdoors.
Joyce was the bookkeeper for the family farm for many years. She also was an avid seamstress, able to sew anything from prom dresses to slipcovers. She loved word games and puzzles, especially Scrabble and Wordle.
When asked the secret for a long and purposeful life, Joyce attributed it to clean living, hard work, and determination. Those who knew her add that her optimism and dedication to her family made her a very special person. Her smile could light up a room.
Fun fact: When Joyce’s oldest grandchild (Nan Akin) was born to Susan and Scott, she got a passport and traveled to Ghana to meet Nan and help the new parents.
A private celebration of life will be held in St. Augustine later this summer.
Memorials may be sent to Hope Hospice https://hopehospice.org/donate/ (Hope Development Department, 9470 HealthPark Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908), or the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, https://www.macular.org/want-to-help/donate (PO Box 515, Northampton MA 01061-0515.
No comments:
Post a Comment