John Avery Palmer

1944 - 2023

John Avery was born in Cooperstown, New York. He lived a multi-faceted life, you might say. He followed the call to a life filled with both religious and civic endeavors. John Avery spent his last few years recounting what he termed "My Glory Story," citing his desire to, "share the gifts of God's love along my spiritual journey."

Ohio State was his alma mater, and his Masters degree was earned from UC Berkley. He received a P.H.D. in Public Health and Safety from Canbourne University, London, in conjunction with the UC Berkley School of Public Health.

John Avery retired in 2008 after a 36 year career as a Health educator in the Santa Clara County Health and Hospital System, where he managed a variety of preventive health programs and campaigns. Some of his noteworthy experiences include:

Ten years as a Deacon at St. Marks Episcopal Church, Santa Clara,

Fourteen years as a Deacon at St. Francis Episcopal Church, San Jose,

Serving as a Hospital Chaplain at SF General and Valley Medical Center,

A volunteer for 40 Years in the American Red Cross Disaster and Safety Services, as well as a 22 gallon blood donor, and CPR/First Aid Instructor.

In January 2023, he received a Commendation from the City Council of San Jose, highlighting his many broad ranging services to the community over the years, including his ten year leadership on the Cypress Senior Center Advisory Council.

A few months later, in April he was honored to be presented the Lifetime Achievement Award by the of Santa Clara Police Department for serving as Police Chaplain for 15 years.

John Avery had accomplished his goal of visiting all 50 states. He tells the tale about his visit to the Governor's mansion in Arkansas. When it was learned that he was from California, the then governor, Bill Clinton, came out to meet him!

He is survived by his wife, Sherrill Martinez, his brother, David (Marjorie) Palmer his two stepchildren, Melissa Martinez, and Christopher (Teresa) Martinez, and three nephews, Brennan (Charlotte) Hoag, Brian Hoag and Beth Wells, Dean (Michelle) Palmer, a niece, Gaylan Palmer, and several great nephews and nieces.

Note from The Order of St. John of Jerusalem:

For 30 years the Reverend John Avery Palmer was a respected member of the 1,000 year old International Charitable Order, Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller. He served as Chaplain to the South Bays St. Joseph Commandery. John was an active participant in many Investiture ceremonies to bring new members into the Order, and  enthusiastically conveyed his spiritual message during the program at fundraisers. He will be missed by all the members who knew and respected him.

As John says goodbye (God be with you), he leaves you with his favorite saying

"Bloom where you are planted."

His significant "P" words of life are

Passion

Perseverance

Patience

Practice and

Prayer

Not necessarily in that order.

And he signs off with (O ver and Out)

His final Aloha!