Obituary
John G. Krogmann
October 4, 1945 – March 30, 2021
John was his given name, yet those who knew him best fondly referred to him as Jack, Jackie, Dad, Pap Pap, Captain Jack or The Big Kahuna. He passed peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest.
As a child, Jack travelled the world with his family and embraced vast experiences. He lived in Guam and Saudi Arabia with visits to Egypt, Germany, Rome and Greece just to name a few. His father, Carl F. Krogmann, Sr. was a pilot for the United States Coast Guard, then a private and commercial pilot. This allowed the family to live and enjoy diverse cultures and people, leaving an enviable collection of memories and legendary stories that will live on for generations to come.
Jack returned to the United States as a young adult to attend Wakefield High School in Northern Virginia, class of 1964. Then he went onto college at Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI), today known as Virginia Tech, class of 1970. During this time, he was introduced to the love of his life, Kathleen Marie. Perhaps it was the British racing green MGB sports car or the dashing smile, a long-distance college relationship led to a wonderful marriage of more than 51 years.
Also, during his collegiate years, Jack enlisted in the United States Coast Guard Reserve. The Coast Guard is one of our nation’s five military services to defend and preserve the United States. Jack thoroughly enjoyed the experience and upheld the motto Semper Paratus – Always Ready.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business and was poised to launch his career beginning as a management trainee with Sears, Roebuck and Co., commonly known as Sears in Virginia Beach. He was then assigned to manage a department in Raleigh, North Carolina. Ironically, he managed the toy department, a perfect fit for his gregarious personality.
After a year in Raleigh, Jack and Kathy, now with two children of their own, decided to move back to Maryland closer to both extended families. Over the next 25 years, Jack transitioned into real estate and achieved success in property management, residential sales as a licensed REALTOR® and a licensed residential real estate appraiser. With every chapter of his professional career, Jack always found a way to blend business and social engagement. Forever the entrepreneur and social butterfly, Jack was most passionate about the people he met and the stories they shared.
Outside of his work, Jack was happiest on the water exploring the greater Chesapeake Bay area. He enjoyed being on his sailboats with family and friends nearly every weekend especially over the summer months. He was a great maritime teacher for his children. As kids, they learned to tie slip knots, hoist the jib, and swab the decks long before they learned to drive on land.
After one too many snow storms and falls on the ice, Jack and Kathy were ready to move to sunny Florida in 1996. Jack and Kathy were sold at first sight on a home in Winter Springs and enjoyed nearly 25 years of great neighbors, nearby beaches and the Florida lifestyle.
He swapped sailboats for powerboats once in Florida and explored both the west and east coasts and many lakes in between. In his most recent years, the St. Johns River was his favorite place to make waves, catch rays and explore canals with friends. Keen on maritime law and safety, all passengers needed to obey the rules of the waterways and of course bring great snacks and drinks to share.
In 2016, Jack and Kathy downsized to a smaller home in Casselberry and connected with new friends and neighbors. He also continued to lead the residential appraising business with eyes on retirement to enjoy more boating and social gatherings.
Jack’s valiant fight against cancer over the last five years changed many aspects in his life, yet not his spirit and compassion. He found comfort and made new friends in the cancer support group at AdventHealth. He will be remembered for his perseverance and positivity each step of the way.
Jack was pre-deceased by his parents, Helen G. and Carl F. Krogmann, Sr. and is survived by his brother, Carl F. Krogmann, Jr.; wife, Kathleen M. Krogmann; daughter Sharon M. King; son-in-law, Brian E. King; granddaughter, Anita Grace and daughter Laura E. Richeson.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the American Cancer Society, AdventHealth Foundation or your favorite local charity.
We are better for having Jack in our lives as a loving son, brother, husband, family man, father and friend and wish for him peace and endless bushels of steamed blue crabs and ice-cold tea.
Private Celebration of Life ceremonies will be announced soon in Central Florida and in the Washington D.C. area at his final resting place in the family mausoleum.
Bev & Howard Bowell