JOHN EVANS JUNKIN, III's Obituary
John Evans Junkin III, born in Miami 98 years ago, passed away on February 20, 2016. Jack, as he was known, was grandson of two of Miami’s first pioneers. His grandfather, F.T. Budge, was one of the first store owners, and one of the seven elected commissioners when Miami incorporated in 1896. Jack’s other grandfather, J.E. Junkin, was the business manager of the newspaper, and Jack’s father, J.E. Junkin Jr, opened the first Cadillac dealership in town. Jack worked first with the Miami News, then later with the Miami Herald, in retail advertising. He married his lovely wife Carolyn in 1939, and from 1941 to 1945 served on US Navy destroyers. In 1950, Jack and Carolyn built a home in Coral Gables, where they both became active in the community while raising their son, John. Jack served on the City of Coral Gables Planning Advisory Board, became the Chairman of the Zoning Board, and served repeatedly as campaign manager for various Coral Gables mayors and commissioners. The Junkin’s were active members of First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables, the Historical Association of South FL, and the Miami Pioneers. Jack loved fishing, travel, and being with family and friends, with a special place in his heart for his granddaughters. He will be remembered as a gentle, well mannered man, of the highest degree of integrity. Jack was well read, had a good sense of humor, and was a dear, sweet, valued mentor and friend. Jack leaves behind his beloved and devoted wife of 77 years, Carolyn Ervin Junkin; his son, John Evans Junkin IV, and daughter-in-law, Cynthia Dembrow Junkin; and granddaughters, Stella Blair Romanov (Severin) and Marjorie Sue Junkin. A service in celebration of Jack’s life will be held on Tuesday, February 23, 2016, at 11am, at First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables, 536 Coral Way, Coral Gables, FL, 33134, followed by a reception at 12 noon in the church Fellowship Hall; after which, as Jack once said, “I will be on my way!” Those wishing to make a donation in his honor might contribute to the church, or their charity of choice.
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