1952-2024
John Wesley Fisher III, a long-time Naples resident, passed away on Tuesday, October 8th, 2024, with his loving wife, Joanne by his side at Avow Hospice Center.
Son and sixth of seven children of John W. Fisher II and Janice Ball Fisher, John (“Jay” as he often times was called to distinguish him from his father) was born on September 7, 1952, and raised in Muncie, Indiana, where he attended elementary school. He then attended the Asheville School in North Carolina, graduated from the Proctor Academy in Andover, New Hampshire, and later in life, graduated from Hodges University with a degree in Management, where he became a distinguished alumnus and philanthropist. John began his professional life serving the nation he cherished by enlisting in the United States Air Force, serving over four and a-half years, leaving the service with the rank of Staff Sergeant. This spurred his avid interest in space travel, including participating in NASA’s Space Academy. With his father’s name in a large family, John had to make his own way and a name for himself. He had big shoes to fill, as his parents were well-known leaders in their communities.
One of the main life teachings his parents instilled in all of their children was to use your talents and treasures to make the world a better place for others. John recognized the importance of having been blessed with a vision, classical values, and commitment to serve his community.
Acknowledged as a man of great wisdom and graciousness, John was well respected, always helping others with no fanfare. John’s intense interest in history engendered an understanding that wisdom is the hallmark of great leaders. Wisdom takes strength of character, knowledge, intelligence, empathy, sensitivity, and judiciousness – profound qualities John consistently displayed and deeply admired everywhere he served.
John was an inspiration to many, always a gentleman, and honest and fair in all his dealings – thus enabling people to trust his prudent judgement to do the right thing. Humility was John’s greatest strength; he was a beacon for others, always humble when others might opt for boastfulness. He patiently listened to everyone’s point of view, regardless of their validity or fallacy. His fine sense of character embraced the ideal that it takes courage and self-control to be humble, a quality that enabled him to be a pillar of strength, especially when under pressure.
John put his fine values to work, rolling up his sleeves on numerous Boards of Directors and committees, acting both as a strategic thinker, program developer, fiduciary, and philanthropist. Thelist of recipients of his talents, time, and treasure is multifold, including the University of Tennessee, the Asheville School, the American Military Veterans Education Fund, Red Cross, Boys and Girls Club, Goodwill, Salvation Army, Naples Players, Artis-Naples, Naples Philharmonic Center, and the Moffitt Cancer Center. At Hodges University, where the Fisher School of Technology was named after him, students were provided study at both undergraduate and graduate levels in the areas of computer technology, digital design, and systems management. He, along with wife, Joanne, helped conserve our natural resources in a fun-loving way, contributing to the Naples Zoo, including the Orangutan exhibit, which gave such delight to everyone who watched their antics. He also philanthropically aided the family homestead summer community of Leland, Michigan, including their Library, Historical Museum, Old Arts Building, and Fishtown Preservation Society.
John is survived by his wife of twenty years, Joanne Hauser Fisher, who did her very best to keep him healthy and comfortable during his last years, his daughter, Dorothy Ann Fisher, grandson, Nathan Fisher, Knoxville, TN, his adopted son, James (Brody), Knoxville, TN, his four brothers, Mike (Dawn), Leland, MI, Jim (Elizabeth), Pinehurst, NC, Jeff (Nancy), Leland, MI, Jerry (Lisa), Vevay, IN, and two sisters, Joan (Randy) Woods, Leland, MI, and Judy (Tom) Oetinger, Prospect, KY, and dozens of nieces and nephews and several dozen cousins.
His final days were carefully and lovingly managed at Avow Hospice Center in Naples. Joanne and John’s family want to give them a warm thank you for their professional and kind service and attention.
Memorial services and celebration of life will be held at 1:00 pm, December 7th, 2024 at Moorings Presbyterian Church in Naples, Florida.
In lieu of customary remembrances, those for whom John was a guiding light, and wish to express their most loving appreciation, may send contributions to any of John’s philanthropies or charities.
