Jack Barrie Abbit, born January 28, 1943, in Port Arthur, Ontario, Canada, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2025, in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, surrounded by loved ones.
Jack’s early years were shaped by his family’s moves from Port Arthur to Winnipeg, Manitoba, and then to Chicago, Illinois, at age 7. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen and graduated from Sullivan High School in Chicago in 1961. He attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and earned California State Teaching Credentials from UCLA, Irvine, CA. After relocating to Los Angeles, CA, in 1962, he pursued college courses and taught Systems Analysis at Orange County junior college. He began his 38-year career in the aerospace industry with Douglas Aircraft Company in Santa Monica in 1962, transferring to Orange County in 1968 with McDonnell-Douglas Aircraft Corporation. In 1976, he moved to St. Louis, MO, where he served as head of information systems for fighter and bomber programs at McDonnell Douglas, working in the corporate office. He retired from Boeing in 1999 and continued as a consultant until 2000. He was also a member of the St. Louis University Upward Bound Program Scholarship Committee and held a Missouri State Professional License in Real Estate.
A dedicated public servant, Jack served nearly 14 years as a Fire Commissioner for the South Walton Fire District, including as Vice-Chairman in 2017. He played a key role in overseeing the Fleet Maintenance, Logistics, and Training Facility, touring its completion in 2023 as a former commissioner. He ran for South Walton Fire District (2016), always advocating for thoughtful governance. Later, he co-founded a title company in Walton County, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. Jack was active in the Cultural Arts Association, Philharmonic Society of Northwest Florida, Taylor Arts Center, and Sandestin Lions Club, reflecting his passion for community and culture.
A visionary with steadfast perseverance, Jack was a natural born leader who approached challenges with a gentle sense of humor. Always in service of others, he poured his heart into his work as a Fire Commissioner, art boards, and community fundraisers. A consummate and detailed planner, he was organized and honest to a fault, sharing his opinions for the good of others, even when difficult. Jack’s deep love for his family and friends shone through in every aspect of his life. He cherished cooking, delighting those around him with his homemade salsa, hummus, fried fish, steaks, and burgers that people loved. He also made world famous Martinis and Manhattans.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Harry (1980) and Lillian Abbit (1998), and his sister, Barbara “Bobbi” Shulkin (1986). He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Lynn Thurston Abbit; ex-wife Julie Abbit; son Steve Abbit and wife Shari; children Rob Rolofson and wife Kathy and Trey Rolofson and wife Kim, and Chad Rolofson and wife Nicole; 15 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Kathy Bohnart and numerous nieces and nephews
Graveside Services will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at Historic Gulf Cemetery, 1466 South County Highway 393, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that people make a donation to a cause that is personally close to them in the name of Jack Abbit. If you are unsure of a charity you would like to support, the family asks that you donate to support a child supporting charity in Walton County, Florida.
Jack Abbit’s legacy of service, family, and community will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
