John David Whitworth

John David Whitworth, 68, passed away on October 26, 2025, in Tallahassee, Florida. A dynamic and accomplished man, John lived a life marked by passion, humor, and an unrelenting curiosity about the world around him. John spent his early life in Girard, Illinois before his mother moved the family to Sarasota, Florida. He attended Castle Heights Military Academy in Lebanon, Tennessee and Sanford Naval Academy in Sanford, Florida. John was largely self-taught to an expert level in the field that would become his lifelong passion—history. His encyclopedic knowledge and instant recall of historical facts became hallmarks of his personality and professional life.

John proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Forrestal. He was an Aviation Rescue Swimmer, dropping from helicopters to help pull survivors from the sea. He fondly recalled a visit from President Gerald Ford on the ship during the celebration of Operation Sail in New York City as part of the U.S. Bicentennial celebration in 1976.

A natural salesman with an innate entrepreneurial spirit, John began his career selling insurance policies door to door in rural areas of the deep south. Building on his success, he founded Affiliated Insurance Agencies Of Florida, Inc. in Tallahassee in 1987. Under his leadership, the insurance business flourished into one of the most successful in Florida, continuing to this day under his wife, Lisa. Combined with his fascination with history and artifacts, this led him to his true calling as a leader in the antique and historic artifacts world. With his wife Lisa, John organized treasure hunt tours across the United Kingdom, combining adventure with education in a way only he could. He channeled this passion into Affiliated Auctions and Realty, as founder, auctioneer and broker. His linguistic talents and historical expertise elevated the business to international prominence earning him a feature on The History Channel's "American Pickers". He was also a pioneer in selling antiques on eBay, establishing himself as one of the most profitable sellers in the early days of online commerce and hosting the first real-time auction to go live on eBay—a move that transformed Affiliated Auctions & Realty into a global destination for collectors.

John was a devoted husband to Lisa for over 30 years. He credited her with transforming their house into a home filled with love and care—never asking for anything in return but always giving everything she had. Together they raised their daughter Katie Bouchi, who inherited her father’s love of history so thoroughly that she topped every class without ever needing to open a book. John was proud to gain a son-in-law, Yasir Bouchi in 2023, and held him in high regard.

John found immense joy in his work, approaching each day with enthusiasm and purpose, never losing sight of the relationships that made the work meaningful. It was a family business in every sense of the word. Katie literally grew up in the insurance agency and auction house. On reaching adulthood, she flourished as John’s closest business partner. They shared countless road trips acquiring antiques and memorabilia. These journeys were more than business; they were treasured times where John shared wisdom and stories that Katie will always cherish. Katie plans to continue his legacy and grow the auction house with the help of their amazing team.

A man of many dimensions, John’s lifelong interest in history was sparked during childhood while recuperating from pneumonia under the care of his WWII veteran step-grandfather Arthur Johnson. This early influence ignited a flame that never dimmed. His travels took him far beyond Florida—to Norway, the Falkland Islands, Central and South America, Antarctica, and many other distant lands—each journey adding another layer to his rich tapestry of experiences.

John was an accomplished athlete, well known in running circles in Tallahassee. He also enjoyed golf outings with friends, spending time at the country club with family, and lively gatherings at home. Known for peppering conversations with humorous stories, John injected laughter into every setting with his epic storytelling and witty anecdotes. He especially enjoyed Sunday dinners with Katie, Yasir and a multitude of friends and family. John welcomed all of Katie’s friends as his own who inherited his motto of “there’s always room at the table”. His seat at the head of the table will honor his continued presence with the “Sunday Dinner Crew”. A lesser-known but cherished ritual was his daily meditation among birds and wildlife in his backyard—a quiet counterbalance to his otherwise vibrant life.

John will also be remembered for his generosity to others, his courage, and ability to manage any crisis that might befall a family member or loved one. His legacy is one of brilliance—in business, history, friendship—and above all, love for those closest to him. John was an organ donor and recipient matches have been identified in Florida.

John’s family circle also included his siblings Carrie Bennett (Jim), Mark Whitworth (Michelle), Catherine Whitworth (Steve DiFazio), Emily Generes, and Suzanne Whitworth Ackermann; mother-in-law Martha Hodges; as well as nieces and nephews Hail, Henry, Tim, Maggie, and Jessie; his Uncles David and Andy, and Tuna, John’s beloved chihuahua who accompanied him to work, meetings, errands and lunches.

He was predeceased by his mother Carol Jens; father Marcus Whitworth; stepfather Timothy Jens; grandmothers Loretta Renninger and Minnie Whitworth; father-in-law Rex Hodges.

In a recent memoir, John reflected: “It is good to be alive and I've done it my way.” He believed himself to be one of the rare few who accomplished everything they deemed important in life—surrounded by love from family, friends, pets—and fulfilled by meaningful work.

Memorial arrangements will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions to The Firewatch-Stand Against Veteran Suicide will be deeply appreciated by John’s family.