John M. Hertzog Sr., age 84, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at Community Hospice Warner Center in Fernandina Beach, Florida. He was born in Ephrata Township, Pennsylvania, on March 12, 1939, to the late C. Lester and Cora M. (Hellinger) Hertzog. Throughout his early career, John was a volunteer fireman for the Lincoln County Fire Department and owned Hertzog Heating Company in Lincoln, Pennsylvania. When moving to Jacksonville in 1969, John worked for different construction and pool companies until he went into business for himself, building swimming pools and doing masonry work at Hertzog Construction. John later changed the name to Ideal Pool Building Company. He and his wife, Jane, briefly moved to Interlachen, Florida, where he enjoyed working on his small farm and helping the local farmers. When they returned to Jacksonville, John worked as the train conductor at the Jacksonville Zoo for two years before he drove a long-haul tractor-trailer until his retirement. Outside of work, John enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling, fishing and working with his hands. He was a long-time member of The Church of the Nazarene. He will be missed by many. John was preceded in death by his wife of over 59 years, Jane E. Hertzog; son, John M. Hertzog Jr.; daughters, Tina M. Cash and Penny E. Nakoa; grandson, Christopher Hertzog; brothers, Charles Hertzog and Carl "Cork" Hertzog; and sister, Barbara Schwankl. He leaves behind his beloved children, Candy Lester and husband, Alan of Fernandina, Jay Hertzog, Jeffrey Hertzog and wife, Helen, and Crystal Riner and husband Wade, all of Jacksonville; 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren with one on the way; one great-great grandchild, brother, Timothy Hertzog and wife Linda of Akron, Pennsylvania; sister, Theda Bowman of Ephrata, Pennsylvania; and sister-in-law, Kathe Hertzog of Ephrata, Pennsylvania; along with several nieces and nephews. A Celebration of John's Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Orange Park Church of the Nazarene, 3212 Moody Avenue, Orange Park, 32065, with Reverend Doyle Harper officiating. Cremation arrangements entrusted to the care of BLACKBURN-CURRY FUNERAL & CREMATION, 380 N. Lowder Street, Macclenny, Florida 32063. (904) 259-2806. Please share your condolences with the Hertzog family online at www.blackburncurryfh.com.