John F. Sessions



John F. Sessions, 75, passed away peacefully at home, after a year-long courageous fight against a brain tumor, on November 14, 2009. He was born January 7, 1934 in Mayo, Florida to the late Festus Williams and John Cabble Sessions. He served his country honorably in the U.S. Army for two years and graduated from Jacksonville University with a business degree.

Mr. Sessions taught math at both Terry Parker and Ribault High Schools before joining Arlington Fuel Oil Co., later becoming it’s Vice-President. He then bought a small pest control division of Arlington Fuel (Bug Out Service) which he successfully operated until 1998 when he retired, leaving his son-in-law (Paul Felker) to continue on his legacy. His philosophy was “always place the customer’s needs first” which still holds true today. His Bug Out “family” was very important to him. He loved them all and did not treat them as “employees,” rather as “family.” Mentoring and always trying to help others was characteristic of him. The important things in life were his family, friends, business, church and Jacksonville University. John F. Sessions Stadium at Jacksonville University was named after him.

He missed very few games or even practices of all of JU sports. Mr. Sessions’s strong work ethic and talents did not go unnoticed by his peers. His accomplishments and accolades include: President of the JU Alumni Assoc., Regional Director Florida Pest Management, Small Businessman of the Year, Colonel Harry L. Kinne Free Enterprise Award, Pest Control Technology Leadership Award, Order of Dolphin Bronze Patron Award, Trustee of Arlington United Methodist Church, Rotarian, Chamber of Commerce, and Optimist Club, to mention just a few. He was compassionate, tender hearted, and never met a stranger. Married for 52 years to his childhood sweetheart, Elizabeth Carson Sessions, he will forever be in the hearts of his adoring wife and children: Caren Elizabeth Felker, Kevin Foye Sessions, Grandchildren: Justin Foye Felker, Erin Elizabeth Felker, Matthew Jonathan Sessions (loves of his life), Brothers and Sister: Catherine Howell (Emmett), Lewis B. Sessions (Catherine-deceased), Mack D. Sessions (Virginia), Loomis C. Sessions (Cosette), Joseph C Sessions (Frances- both deceased), John C Sessions (Virginia), Walter B. Sessions (Paula), and many nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral services were held Nov. 18, 2009 at Arlington United Methodist Church, 1400 University Blvd. N., Jacksonville, Florida 32211, with Rev. Larry Shields presiding. He was laid to rest with military honors in Oaklawn Cemetery. The family would like to send a SPECIAL thanks to Mr. Sessions’s caregivers who have been by his side around the clock for the past year. They include: Greta Crossfield (sister-in-law of Caren), Mandy Sessions (niece), Willy McDuffy (JU basketball graduate), John Judge (Bug Out family), and Mayo Clinic of Jacksonville. Their professional and heartfelt care meant so much to everyone who loved him. Thanks also to Henry Cannon (Bug Out) for his unending help! For those who prefer, memorial contributions may be made to Arlington United Methodist Church, Jacksonville University Athletic Department, 2800 University Blvd. N, Jacksonville, FL 32277 or Hendricks Day School of Jacksonville 1824 Dean Rd. , Jacksonville, FL 32216. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at HYPERLINK “http://www.MeM” www.MeM.com.