John Fleming Jr.

John S. Fleming, Jr. Obituary

John Sheldon Fleming, Jr., 90, of Moss Point, MS passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on September 22, 2024.

John was born on November 7, 1933 in his paternal grandparent’s home in Clara, MS to John Sheldon Fleming, Sr. and Helen Olivia Robertson Fleming. The family moved from the Sand Hill community in Greene County to Pascagoula where he grew up attending Pascagoula schools, graduating in the class of 1953. John was a successful multi-sport athlete in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He continued enjoying sports by bowling, playing softball, golf, waterskiing, and coaching Dixie Youth Baseball.  

After graduation, John enlisted into the United States Marine Corps, serving at the end of the Korean War. Returning home to his family in Pascagoula, he worked in the U.S. Postal Service and later at Ingalls Shipyard as a draftsman. He would soon start building his career at Ingalls/Litton Industries in the safety department retiring as director. After retirement from the shipyard, John continued his career in safety as a consultant with his own company until 2015.

Johnnie married the love of his life, Shirley Rose Stewart, who became his devoted wife on May 15, 1955. They celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary before she passed in 2014. Their long and loving marriage was blessed with 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, an abundance of family and friends, and their Moss Point home looking over Krebs Lake – The Hill.

John led a devoted life to serving others in his communities. Throughout the years he provided significant leadership in The Singing River District, Pine Burr Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, American Red Cross, Pascagoula Chapter of Rotary International, and American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE). With the Boy Scouts, John was Scoutmaster of Troop 501, Pascagoula and District Chairman in the Singing River District for many years. His work and leadership were honored with presentations of the Pine Burr and Silver Beaver awards. John was recognized as Outstanding Volunteer by the United Way of Jackson and George Counties in 1995. Later, he was elected as a Regional Vice President of the ASSE during his very active years in safety consulting.

He was a member of First Methodist Church of Pascagoula since his youth. John served faithfully and continuously on the administrative and trustee boards.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Helen Fleming, wife Shirley Stewart Fleming, sister Roma Rea “Pug” Fleming Simmons, brother-in-law O.C. “Peck” Simmons, father and mother-in-law Toxie H. and Ethel Seal Stewart, brother and sister-in-law Farrell and Earline Stewart, and brother-in-law Richard Wayne Garrett.

John is survived by his son John S. Fleming III and daughter-in-law Donna Sebastian Fleming of Ocean Springs, MS, his daughter Julie Suzanne Fleming of Alexandria, VA, grandchildren and great grandchildren Anna E. Fleming, John Sebastian Jones and Elliot Vance Jones of Pascagoula, MS, Kate Sawyer (Ric), Emma Irene Sawyer, James Cullen Sawyer of Ocean Springs, MS, John Andrew S. Fleming (Rebecca), Lela Rose Fleming, Cora Lane Fleming of Hattiesburg, MS, eight nephews, one niece, and their extended families.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the health professionals of The Plaza in Pascagoula for the love, kindness, care, and devotion to our beloved Papa.  

Visitation will be Friday September 27, 2024 at O'Bryant - O'Keefe Funeral Home in Pascagoula from 6:00-8:00pm. Funeral Service will be Saturday September 28, 2024 at 2:00 pm at First Methodist Church of Pascagoula. Interment will conclude at Machpelah Cemetery. Condolences can be expressed online at www.obryantokeefe.com.

Pall Bearers will be John’s 8 nephews, Lance Simmons, Ronnie Stewart, Joseph Stewart, David Stewart, James Stewart, Michael Stewart, Tony Stewart and Richard Garrett

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