John Stratford Duss, IV

With great sadness, we announce the passing of John Stratford Duss, IV, on June 4, 2024. A Jacksonville native, John helped shape many of Northeast Florida’s iconic real estate developments and his impact extends beyond his nearly 50-year legal career through the many projects and causes he championed throughout his life.

 John was born on December 18, 1942, to John and Kathleen Duss. He attended Spring Hill College in Alabama and the University of Florida, earning a Bachelor of Science degree. He attended New York University Law School and received a Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida College of Law. After returning to Jacksonville, he practiced law with several firms, ultimately retiring from Duss, Kenney, Safer, Hampton & Joos, P.A. in 2023.

 John actively participated in leadership roles for numerous charitable, social, and professional organizations including The St. Johns County Charter Commission, The St. Vincent’s Foundation, Amelia Island Concours d`Elegance, Sister Cities, Friends Across the Sea, Granaderos y Damas de Galvez, The Jacksonville Track Club, Catholic Lawyers Guild, The Alfa Romeo Club, Riding into History, The River Club and The Ponte Vedra Club. Throughout his life, John exhibited a thirst for knowledge. He enjoyed reading non-fiction on many topics for the sheer pleasure of learning. John remained highly active throughout his life, both as a runner and through regular exercise programs. An avid antique “car-guy” and a nationally renowned motorcycle expert, he could always be found discussing vehicles with others. If it had wheels and an engine, John knew an astonishing amount about it and would gladly share that knowledge with anyone who would listen. John and his wife, Susan, developed fond memories over many years traveling with close friends to car-related events, especially in Pebble Beach, Paris, and Amelia Island. John, Susan, and their daughter also enjoyed many summers traveling with close friends – to Cuernavaca, Mexico, Darmstadt, Germany, and visiting John's Aunt at the Abbey of Regina Laudis in Connecticut. In his later years, his trips centered around spending time with his adored granddaughters, whether in California or during their visits to Ponte Vedra.

 With the support of Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, John spent his final days at home in Ponte Vedra Beach. He is survived by his devoted wife of 49 years, Susan; his beloved daughter, Christina (Lincoln) and his four granddaughters Alessandra, Ilaria, Christina and Victoria. John is also survived by his sister-in-law, Winfield Duss and her children, Charles (Dawn), Christopher (Cy) and Shields Hoida (Jeff) and their children.

 John was a smart, hardworking, and unselfish family man of integrity. This loss leaves an unfillable void in the lives of his family, friends and those who knew him well. Thank you to all who were praying for him and us during his illness. We are comforted by the fact that he was a man of deep and abiding faith and we know that for John the journey continues. His life and accomplishments allow his legacy to continue through the experiences and memories of his family and of his many friends and clients. 

 Services and a Celebration of John’s Life will be held at a later date at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, where he was a parishioner for nearly thirty years.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Abbey of Regina Laudis, 273 Flanders Rd., Bethlehem, CT 06751 or via their website.