John “Jack” “Saint” Edgar St. John, 77, of Boothbay Harbor and Brunswick, passed away peacefully June 8 at Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick with his wife Gerna by his side.
Born in New York on Jan. 12, 1937, he was the son of the late John and Monica (King) St. John. Jack grew up in New York City, and attended local schools before moving to Connecticut, where he graduated from Naugatuck High School, class of 1954. He attended Bowdoin College where he was a member of the Theta Delta Chi Fraternity, and enlisted in the ROTC program.
After graduation, in 1958 Jack joined the ranks of the U.S. Army. He proudly served his country for 26 years, including two separate tours in Vietnam, was awarded a Bronze Star, and retired as a full colonel. After retiring from the military, John joined the Boeing Corporation, in Philadelphia as a senior manager in the Helicopter Division. He retired after 10 years.
Jack and Gerna moved to Maine and settled in Boothbay Harbor, first on Figment, their 37′ yawl, and then to a cabin before splitting their time between Brunswick and the Harbor. Jack loved being on the water and found peace there. He enjoyed sailing, and was a past commodore of the Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club. His other hobbies included reading and spending time with friends.
Jack had a love for good food and when giving directions would often do so keeping in mind favorite restaurants on the way even if not the quickest route. He was known for his acerbic sense of humor.
A funeral mass will be held at a later date and time at Our Lady Queen of Peace in Boothbay Harbor.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Gerna St. John of Brunswick; daughters, Jill Platt Hansen and husband Mark of O’Fallon, Ill., Natalie King St. John of O’Fallon, Ill., and Page St. John Ghaphery and husband James of Richmond, Va.; and grandchildren, Megan Hansen Newman, Jon Hansen, Elisabeth Hansen, E. Alden St. John, and Elias J. Ghaphery.
Should friends desire, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
You are invited to share your memories, photos, and condolences with the St. John family by visiting their Book of Memories page at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Simmons, Harrington & Hall, Boothbay.