Juan Garcia

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Juan Felipe Garcia on June 16, 2025, at the age of 84, in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. His battle with Parkinson's Disease was a testament to his courage and resilience. Despite the challenges of his illness, he remained steadfast in his strength and faith.

Juan was born on February 5, 1941, in Cienfuegos, Cuba, to Felipe Garcia (deceased) and Juana Garcia (deceased). He was the eldest brother to Teddy Garcia (deceased). His passion for rowing led him to compete in the 1958 Pan American Games as part of his club team. In 1959, the communist takeover of Cuba forced Juan and his family to flee to the United States, where they sought freedom and a new life.

While attending the University of Florida, Juan met the love of his life, Dolores, who also hailed from Cuba. It was love at first sight. Together, they navigated the challenges of adapting to a new culture while pursuing their college educations. With unwavering determination, hard work, and courage, Juan earned a degree in electrical engineering and soon married Dolores. The couple was blessed with three children: Phillip Garcia, Carmen (Garcia) Sardiñas, and Roberto Garcia.

Juan's passion for helping others led him to pursue a second degree in medicine. He moved his young family to Galicia, Spain, where he completed his medical studies. Afterward, he settled in Jacksonville, Florida, and began his career as an Internal Medicine physician. Juan was a trailblazer in the Jacksonville area, pioneering the concept of medical walk-in clinics. Over his 30 years as a physician, he owned and operated five successful clinics, combining his business acumen with a heartfelt commitment to providing accessible and efficient medical care. Despite the growth of his businesses, Juan remained devoted to his patients, many of whom he treated for the entirety of his career.

Juan was deeply dedicated to helping those in need. He mentored many friends and family members, encouraging them to pursue careers in medicine, inspired by his own love for the profession. He had a particular empathy for immigrants, understanding their struggles through his own experiences as a newcomer to the United States. Juan emphasized the values of hard work, education, and patriotism. His love for his adopted country, combined with his strong anti-communist convictions, shaped his worldview. He often shared stories with his children and grandchildren about the trials that led him to leave Cuba, ensuring his legacy and experiences were passed on to future generations.

As a husband, father, and grandfather, Juan was unwavering in his devotion and love. His vibrant personality filled every room, and he lived life to the fullest. He leaves behind his beloved wife of nearly sixty years, Dolores Garcia; his three children, Phillip Garcia (Kimberly), Carmen Sardinas (Jorge), and Roberto Garcia (Vivian); his nine grandchildren, Julia Sardiñas (Francisco), Daniel Sardiñas, Madelene Garcia, Jorge Sardiñas Jr., Nicholas Garcia, Marco Sardiñas, Isabella Garcia, Rocco Garcia, and Eva Garcia; and his two treasured great-granddaughters, Penelope and Valentina Torres.

Juan Felipe Garcia will be remembered for his boundless love, dedication, and service to his family, friends, and patients. His legacy of compassion, resilience, and faith will continue to inspire all who knew him.

The Garcia family will be gathering to receive friends and loved ones from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, June 28, 2025, in Quinn Shalz Funeral Home in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, with a Rosary Prayer Service beginning at 7:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 2025, in Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Ponte Vedra Beach. Please note that Remarks of Remembrance will be made prior to the start of Mass at 10:20 a.m. A private family committal service will immediately follow Mass inside of Our Lady Star of the Sea's Columbarium. 

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations made to the Parkinson's Foundation and Community Hospice of North Florida.