Obituary of John Thomas Ferry

Mr. John Thomas Ferry, 90, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, August 17, 2007. Formerly a long time resident of Jekyll Island, GA. Mr. Ferry and his wife of 59 years spent the last 6 years here in Jacksonville, FL to be closer to his family. A member of the Jekyll Island Community Presbyterian Church for over 30 years, Johnny is affectionately remembered for leading the Sunday morning hymn sings. He is also remembered for his music store in Brunswick for over 15 years and work as a jazz pianist at the Jekyll Island Club, The Cloister, and the Sea Island Club. Johnny was born in West Paterson, NJ in 1917, and entertained on the piano at an early age. He first began playing in night clubs at age 17 to help his family during the Great Depression. Working for Sears, Roebuck and Company by day and performing music by night, he played with a number of Big Bands, including Alvino Ray. He was a veteran of WWII, serving in Army Air Corp from 1941 to 1945. After leaving the service, Johnny returned to Sears and retired from there after 35 years. He and his wife retired to Jekyll Island in 1972. He continued to delight audiences with his jazz piano stylings until 2000. Johnny is survived by his wife: Mrs. Jean Ferry, two children: Darlene and Bob Bingenheimer, John and Denise Ferry; three grandchildren; Cheryl Hancock, Stephen and Jennifer Ferry; two great-grandchildren: Derek and Mara Hancock; brother: Albert Ferry; sister: Roseanne Kaddik and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his brothers: Ettore and Thomas. Funeral on Thursday, August 23rd 2007 at 9:00 a.m. at Moores Home For Funerals, 1591 Alps Rd, Wayne and at 10:00 a.m. at United Methodist Church In Wayne, 99 Parish Dr. Wayne. Visiting on Wednesday from 2 4 and 7-9 pm. A memorial service will be held on Jekyll Island at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida.