02/14/2026
Alas, My Brother
Mann- John Paul Mann, Sr., age 83, of Sanderson, Florida passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Baptist Medical Center Downtown in Jacksonville, Florida. He was born on November 23, 1942, in Jacksonville, Florida, to the late Funston Mann and Hazel Mae Richard Mann. John Paul was raised in Baker County and, following high school, began his entrepreneurial journey. A true jack of all trades, he was gifted in many facets of life and work. Over the years, he helped frame houses, owned and operated several convenience stores in Jacksonville and Macclenny, managed rental properties, and partnered with Brence Jones in a land clearing, septic tank, and drain field business. John Paul was known for his strong work ethic and willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Above all, he was devoted to his family and deeply loved his country. In 1967, John Paul was drafted into the United States Army, where he proudly served his country as a medic in Alaska during the Vietnam War. He was steadfastly patriotic and immensely proud to be an American. In 1969, he married the love of his life, Nancy Lou Mason, and together they shared 49 wonderful years of marriage while building a beautiful family and a lifetime of cherished memories. John Paul was a man of deep faith and a longtime member of Sanderson Christian Revival Center. More than anything, he cherished his family and loved spending time with them. Family and friends were his life, and he delighted in sitting for hours, “shooting the breeze” and sharing meaningful conversations with those he loved. John Paul’s life was a testament to service — to his country, his community, and most importantly, his family. He will truly be missed by all who knew him. John Paul was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife, Nancy Lou Mason Mann; brothers, Talmadge Mann, Tom Mann, and Joseph Mann; and brothers-in-law, Roger Waters and Gene Salie.
John Paul is survived by his sons, John Paul “Pumpkin” Mann, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL and Funston Clifford “Scooter” Mann of Glen St. Mary, FL; brother, Bill Richard; sisters, Margaret Salie of Glen St. Mary, FL and Mary Waters of Middleburg, FL; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family members and cherished friends.
A Celebration of John Paul’s Life will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026 at 11:00 am at Sanderson Christian Revival Center, 14302 Sapp Road, Glen St. Mary, FL 32040 with Pastor Christian R. Lee officiating. Interment will follow at South Prong Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 19, 2026 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at the church. Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. TODD FERREIRA FUNERAL SERVICES, 250 North Lowder Street, Macclenny, FL 32063 (904) 259-5700. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family’s guest book.
