Johnny Ray Messer

Johnny Ray Messer, 64, a resident of Bokeelia, FL for the past 53 years, formerly of Cleveland, OH, passed away Wednesday, June 21, 2023 in Bokeelia. He was born August 30, 1958 in Cleveland, OH.

Johnny, “John Boy”, “JB”, “John” was the embodiment of unconditional love, there was room in his heart for everyone. He was a powerful force of compassion and empathy, and he offered his heart and soul to the service of others.

John’s life-long passion was commercial net fishing. He persevered through the Net Ban and adapted to the much smaller “legal” nets to continue doing what was most dear to him; making a living on the water and the freedom to fish. John treasured each head of fish that came onto his boat, he was appreciative and respectful of his catch. The clear pure energy one experienced while eating his fish was evidence of John’s reverence for the water.

John’s Uncle Robert Whidden and Aunt June owned the Bokeelia Fish Company and the Seabreeze restaurant (Capt’n Con’s) where John lived for a time. Richard Lolly taught John how to fish for spotted sea trout and other species. Richard and his wife Judy took John into their home and helped to raise him. The lives of the older and contemporary fishermen were interwoven into John’s life throughout his career as a commercial fisherman. John also crewed on the large boats in the Keys, on the East and West Coasts of Florida and Corn Island, Nicaragua. For many years John worked with his wife doing landscape maintenance in the Seagull Bay Community in Bokeelia. The Jugg Creek Fish House, owners (past and present) Joey and Virginia Morton, Suzanne and Steve, the employees, the fisherman, have all been an immeasurable part of John’s life as were his many friends and family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Sally Braund of Bokeelia; mother, Virginia Patterson of Cleveland, OH; children, Lesalyn Messer of Matlacha, FL, and Whitney Messer of San Antonio, TX; siblings, William Messer of Cleveland, OH, Jake Messer of Cleveland, OH, and Francis Castro of Bronx, NY; several nieces and nephews; grandchildren, Gracie & Abigail, Shyanne, Bridgett & Amelie and Alissa; as well as Merlin and Jenny the cats.

Johnny was preceded in death by his father, Jesse Alfred Messer; his step-father, Freddy Patterson; his son, Johnny Messer, II; as well as two brothers, George Messer and Jesse Messer.

Private family services will be held.

Memorial Contributions in memory of Johnny Ray Messer are suggested to Hope Hospice, 9470 Healthpark Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.