Mr. John W. Puffer III died suddenly on Friday, November 25, 2016.
Mr. Puffer was born on June 20, 1942 in Miami Beach, Florida to the late Annis Spring Puffer and John Wilson Puffer, Jr. He attended Miami Edison High School where he obtained his pilot’s license before his driver’s license. After high school, he attended the University of Michigan and studied engineering. During his sophomore year, he met his wife of 52 years, Blanche Ehresman Puffer. Mr. Puffer graduated with a BSE in 1964. He was married the summer prior to starting University of Michigan law school and graduated in 1967 with a JD.
After practicing law for three years in Kansas City, Mr. and Mrs. Puffer moved to Tampa, Florida in 1970. Mr. Puffer began practicing with the law firm of Shackleford, Farrior, Stallings and Evans where he remained for many years. He continued his law career as the Regional Partner in Charge with Dykema Gossett and concluded his legal career with the firm of Shumaker, Loop and Kendrick.
He was intellectually gifted, yet a very humble man, and used his talents to help his family and friends while always remaining non-judgmental. In 1984, he had a vision of opening a community bank. Mr. Puffer’s dream became a reality in 1987 when he opened the first branch of The Terrace Bank of Florida, later renamed Pilot Bank, where he served as Chairman of the Board until his death. In 1996, Mr. Puffer retired from law and became both the President and Chairman of Pilot Bank where he successfully began to expand the bank. That same year, Mr. Puffer fused his love of flying into his professional career when Pilot Bancshares acquired NAFCO, National Aircraft Finance Company.
Over his distinguished life, Mr. Puffer served on countless boards both professionally and civically. He served the Florida Bar Association, American Bar Association, Lawyer-Pilots Bar Association, Tampa Museum of Art, Leadership Tampa, Tampa Yacht and Country Club, University Club of Tampa, Iron Horse Club of Whitefish, MT and many more. At the time of his death, he was actively involved in Quiet Birdmen (a distinguished pilot organization he joined with his father), Florida Bankers, Independent Community Bankers of America, TCM Bank Board Member, and Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity National Board Member.
Mr. Puffer was a loving son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather predeceased by his sister Judy Puffer Lindsey (Boise, Idaho) and parents John Wilson Puffer, Jr and Annis Spring Puffer (Gainesville, Florida) all of whom he provided for with passion. He is survived by his wife Blanche E. Puffer, daughter Emily Puffer Strickland (Joe), grandsons Joseph and John William of Tampa; sisters Julie Smith (Dan) of Palm Beach Gardens and Jenny Elkins (Dale) of Tampa. Mr. Puffer was passionate about his family. Mr. Puffer especially loved being active with his grandsons Joseph and John William. He enjoyed taking the boys on various trips, flying them around Florida in his planes, and routinely attended each of their school and sporting events. He was passionate about travel both nationally and abroad. He loved spending time at his home in Whitefish, MT relishing in the outdoors, mountains, and waterfronts. Mr. Puffer will be missed beyond measure by his family, friends, and so many individuals whose lives he impacted both in the workplace and his community.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 2, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 906 S. Orleans Avenue, Tampa, Fl. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Parish Day School or a charity of your choosing.
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December 5, 2016
Kristi Thurmon
I'm so sad to hear of Mr. Puffer's passing. He was the most encouraging boss I have ever had. I will cherish the memories of working with him at Terrace/Pilot Bank forever.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
December 4, 2016
Mrs puffer my condolences to you and your family.he will be miss so much at the yacht club.what a nice man.just so sad .thinking get of you... penny may (tampa,fl.)
December 2, 2016
Andrew McCoy
Although I've only been with the bank since May 2016 I was able to meet Mr. Puffer and was very encouraged by his friendliness and good nature. I know he will be missed dearly, but he will remain in many people's memories forever.
December 2, 2016
Amy Buckland
Blanche,
My condolences to you and your family. Mr Puffer was a rare Gem. His kind and genuine soul sparkled with that deep giggle and smile. Can not help but remember Mr Puffers sideline support during my marathon and the kind words of encouragement you both gave. May you hold those memories dear to your heart and find peace knowing you are loved.
December 2, 2016
Lola and Mark Hanley
Blanche and family,
Mark and I were so saddened to hear of John's sudden passing! He will be remembered as a fine man! Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
December 2, 2016
Nalini Gajadharsingh
Mrs. Puffer and Family,
Such sad news, Mr. Puffer was a great leader and an inspiration to so many. My condolences on his passing, I hope and pray your memories give you the strength you need .
December 1, 2016
Sara Hayes
Blanch, My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. John was larger than life and will be missed by many. I feel so fortunate to have known him and value the time that we spent together. Love and hugs to you.
December 1, 2016
Sa; Marranca
Dear Blanche & Family:
Sudden, tragic, sad news ...so shocking to Kay and I . John and you always considered true & real friends to us thru thick & thin. John meant a lot to me as a peer with incredible insight, honesty, intregrity and as a "Pal". We shared a passion for our communities and families and independent banking that i am proud to lock in my memory bank. As others have said, his laugh & humor and calm intelligence were rare and special . I always knew, at all times , John "had my back" and he raised the bar in every business environment we shared. I loved his passion for Boy-toys: airplanes, sports cars , boats , grandchildren, and his beloved football team....oh and some good Scotch too ! Kay and i will never forget our special time at you very special Montana home.
Life is short, and life is not fair, but my time knowing John is a bright gift of life that will not be extinguished. I know, for a fact, John affected all with positive energy and admiration....and clearly did not "leave anything on the table". Yes , he will be missed but never far from our thoughts & memories and ...for me..a smile.
Blanche you are , of course , also in those thoughts, and please YOU take care of You. Anytime, for anything, anywhere I, or Kay are there for you.
Best personal condolences and regards
-Sal & Kay Marranca
December 1, 2016
John Buhrmaster
The world has lost a true gentleman, a role model of integrity, and a friend to all he met. I will miss his friendship, his unflappable leadership, his advice, and especially his wonderful laugh! I learned so much from John in the few years we knew each other, and truly enjoyed our conversations. All of our prayers and thoughts go out to his lovely wife, and our dear friend Blanche. Leslie and I wish we could be there with you in person Friday to honor John, but please know that we will be with you in thought. John and Leslie Buhrmaster
December 1, 2016
David Hayes
Sara and I are heartbroken. We remember the great dinners together. Know that our prayers are with all of you in this tough time. You are blessed to have a lot of great memories. John was a class gentleman. It is great to say I knew him. God Bless all of the family and friends. David and Sara Hayes
November 30, 2016
Susan & John Witt
Dear Blanche, John and I are so saddened to hear of John's sudden passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
November 30, 2016
John Evans
Dear Blanche, Karen and I are so sorry to hear of John's passing. We had so many good times with you and John at ICBA functions. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, John and Karen
November 30, 2016
David "Mac" McLay
Dear Blanche & Family -
Brother John was a much-esteemed and well-liked member of the Order of Quiet Birdmen, and his presence and participation at our monthly gatherings will be sorely missed. John was ever-modest concerning his many accomplishments in life and in aviation, but his character and standards spoke volumes...
With condolences and prayers,
November 30, 2016
The Neuwirth Family
Dear Blanche,
We were heartbroken to hear of John's sudden passing. John was a very dear friend to Bob and to our family, and he we will miss him terribly. He was a smart, driven, kind and generous man and he will remain in our memories. We are keeping you and your loved ones in our thoughts and in our prayers in these challenging times.
Our deepest condolences,
-Gloria, Susan, Jessica, Laura, Michael and Alexander
November 30, 2016
Tanya Gersh
Dearest Blanche, please know our hearts are with you. John was so special. We are so very sad to hear this news. We will look forward to seeing you over the holidays and sending condolences in person. Tanya & Judah Gersh
November 30, 2016
Mary Beth Blumhardt
Dearest Blanche,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your wonderful husband. Please know that you and your family are in our hearts and prayers.
Fondly, Mary Beth and Dave
November 30, 2016
a loved one
November 30, 2016
Jo Schumacher
Dear Blanche,
I am very sorry for your sudden loss of your husband, John. My heart goes out to you and your family.
-- Jo Schumacher
November 30, 2016
Noah Wilcox
Blanche, and family,
We were stunned and saddened to learn of John's passing. John was an amazing man, deep thinker and true friend to the communities he resided in, served and loved. Further, he was a dedicated friend to community banking, dedicating his time to making our industry stronger, deeper and better positioned to weather new challenges that will face us in the future.
John will be deeply missed by more than I think your family will ever know, but on that behalf want you to know how much his time, service and expertise was appreciated.
Our deepest sympathy and condolences,
Noah and Julie
November 30, 2016
Charlie and Barb Saeman
Blanche and family, we offer you our sincere sympathy. Your great loss is shared by so many people who were even a small part of his life. We will remember the great times we spent together talking on topics from wine to wolverines in places from Whitefish to Wisconsin to Washington. We have been blessed to know and be friends with this wonderful man.
November 29, 2016
Greg & Meredith James
Meredith and I are sadden by the unexpected loss of such a unique and accomplished individual. May your memories give you peace and comfort.You and your family are in our prayers. Someone so special can never be forgotten.
November 29, 2016
Laura Blackwell
Blanche,
I am deeply sadden to hear of John's passing. My heart goes out to you and your family.
He was an inspiration for me and so helpful. Tom enjoyed flying with him and enjoyed giving him the float flying experience
Laura and Tom Blackwell
November 29, 2016
Gene Jordan
Dear Blanche,
Jan called with the news and we were shocked! We just saw you all at Granpa P's service. We have you in our prayers and thoughts. Good memories of our time in the cabin near Glacier. I'm sorry that I never got to fly, or fly with, Johnnie. We will continue to remember you and your family in these difficult days. I ask that God give you his peace, a peace that passes understanding.
Gene and Lynn
November 29, 2016
Dear Blanche. We just heard the news of Johns sudden death late yesterday afternoon. Stephanie and I both very much enjoyed spending time with you and John at many ICBA events and activities. We are both very saddened by the news of his death. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
November 29, 2016
David Karr
November 29, 2016
Toni Harrelson
To the Puffer family-
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time. I enjoyed working with Mr. Puffer and Pilot Bank and was saddened to hear of his passing. May you find comfort in our Savior during your time of grief.
November 29, 2016
Monique Cooper
Dearest Blanche and family, I was stunned and so very saddened to hear of your loss. John was such a fine man and I always loved being around you all. He will be dearly missed. I was honored to have known him.
November 29, 2016
Christi Hall
Mrs. Puffer and Family, I'm so sorry for your loss of Mr. Puffer. He was a great man and leader of the community. I have many memories of him coming in the South Tampa Branch on Saturdays with his grandson smiling from ear to ear. His smile and bow ties where very infectious and will be missed by many. May you all find strength to get through this tough time. My prayers and thoughts are with your family.
November 29, 2016
Phil Baumann
I was shocked to hear of John's passing. Whether the subject was the law, banking or flying, John and I have had enjoyable discussions that I will miss. While no one feels the pain of loss more than close family, I and many, many other people will miss him greatly.
November 28, 2016
South Tampa Team of Pilot Bank
Dear Blanche, Emily and The Puffer Family,
All of us at Pilot Bank are devastated to hear the loss of John Puffer III. Specifically at the South Tampa Branch of Pilot Bank, where each of you frequently visit. He was truly a bright light in this world and always brought with him a smile to share. He was beloved by many and we as the South Tampa Team would like to let all of you know that we are here for you if you ever need anything. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Mr. Puffer will be greatly missed.
November 28, 2016
Matt Moseley
Sorry for your loss, John will be deeply missed.
November 28, 2016
Randy Friskney
Dear Blanche and Family,
It has been an honor to work with John the past six years at Pilot Bank and I will miss his presence as well as his guidance. I had the opportunity to fly with John in his airplane a few years ago and it was an eventful experience that I will never forget. He loved to fly. My thoughts and prayers go out to each of you.
November 28, 2016
Deidre Alkire
Blanche & Family,
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Puffer. It has been a pleasure to work with him for the last 17 years. We would always enjoy a laugh every time we spoke. I also have fond memories of the wonderful Christmas parties held at your home. I am truly going to miss him. May God shower you and your family with his blessings during this difficult time.
November 28, 2016
Dear Aunt Blanche & Emily,
Layne and I are so very sorry for your loss of Uncle John. It was great seeing you (Aunt Blanche & Uncle John) in August. May you find comfort in the love of family & friends.
With love, A.T. & Layne
November 28, 2016
Scott Katz
Mrs. Puffer,
I am so sorry for your loss, I will miss Mr. Puffer and I will always remember the conversations we had about hiking.
November 28, 2016
Jessica Barr
Miss Blanche & family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Puffer. I have so many fond memories of him, his laugh and his bowties. :) He was a good man and the entire Pilot Banchares family grieves with you during this time. May the good Lord give you comfort and strength during this time. With much love,
November 28, 2016
Sulain Arce
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
November 28, 2016
Pam Staley
Blanche and Emily,
Mr. Puffer was a great man. I am going to miss him dearly.
November 27, 2016
May God's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this sad time Psalms 29:11
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