John Thomas Quern

John T. Quern passed away September 8th in Jacksonville, Florida, after a brief illness.

John led his life with humor and enjoyed the company of family and friends.

John made acting his career, which spanned movies, television shows and commercials. Later in life, he became an acting instructor, encouraging the love of rehearsing and performing in others.

John loved music. That interest likely drew its roots from many sources – among them his mother’s piano playing, the Catholic hymns of his childhood, the 1960s culture that led him to the historic Woodstock festival in 1969. He had an extensive record collection, a love of bands and singers ranging from ZZ Tops to Santana and Linda Ronstadt and a stint as a disc jockey. He played flute, bass and harmonica and enjoyed a good jam session.

John’s 6-foot-8 stature was unmissable, but his warmth and curiosity were as big as he was tall. John loved the ocean and surfing and sharing a good meal and cigar.

He also treasured his family and friends. One of those circles of friends included the wonderfully supportive members of the Men’s Bible Fellowship at St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church in Jacksonville.

John was a native New Yorker who later made Los Angeles, Phoenix and Jacksonville, Florida his home.

He is survived by his sister, Betty Nilsen; brother-in-law, Walt Nilsen; sister-in-law, Jacqueline Quern; nieces Krista Patterson, Kim Nilsen, Susannah Pratt and Margaret Quern-Atkins, and their families. He was lucky to have a caring circle of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Marcella Quern, and his brother, Arthur Foster Quern III.

Details of the memorial service will be shared soon.