John Douglas Blackmore

John Douglas Blackmore “Doug” of Leesburg, Florida, passed away on Friday, January 5, 2024, at the age of 85. He was born on July 6, 1938, in Dayton, Ohio. He graduated fifth in his class from Vandalia High School in 1956.

As a teenager, he worked at the IGA in Vandalia learning the grocery business including how to butcher meat. Upon moving to Florida, he owned a restaurant and bait business on Anna Maria Island for a short time. He went on to work for Kress department store, Aquarium Supply Company, and Clairol retail division and finished his career at Orange County Public Schools where he retired in 2001.

He was actively involved in his church, St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Orlando, and the American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA) where he served as a judge for 25 years rising to the level of teaching judge and served on the board of directors from 2005-2016. He held positions as regional director, first and second vice president, and president. He also served on the Maine Coon Cat Breed Executive Committee, Genetics Committee, and Judges’ Executive Council for many years. Before his involvement with ACFA, he was a certified American Orchid Society Judge and served as president of the Central Florida Orchid Society in 1972.

His parents, Emit and Elizabeth, and his wife of 34 years, Bonnie, preceded him in death.

He is survived by his children, LeighAnn, Ian (Ginny), and David (Carolee), 6 grandchildren, Elizabeth, Becky, Ginny (Austin), Emily, Rhiannon, and Joshua, 2 great-grandchildren, Britain and Josie, brother Bill (Bev), and 5 nieces and nephews, Becky (Doug), Brenda (Steven), Brian (Stacey), Brad (Tammy) and Amy (Mike).

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 2499 North Westmoreland Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32804, on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 11:00 AM.

In place of flowers, please consider donating in his honor to St. Michael’s Episcopal Church.