John Keith Melady

John Keith Melady, age 63, of St. Augustine, Florida passed away August 24, 2018 at the Bailey Family Center for Caring after a courageous struggle with diabetes. Born in South Bend, Indiana to the late John David and Nona Melady, he grew up in Lafayette, Indiana. After graduating from high school, John toured the US with rock-n-roll bands, playing guitar and working as a sound technician. Following this, he was employed by Zales Jewelers, starting in sales and working his way up to store manager. After attaining his GIA certification, he traveled the world buying gemstones. After eight years in the jewelry business, John attended and graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Hospitality. He worked promoting tourism in Indiana and also managed hotels, restaurants and bars all over the country. While working in St. Augustine, John met and married his wife, Jennifer. They moved to Arizona for three years where he managed the four-star restaurant L’Auberge de Sedona. In 2006 they returned to St. Augustine, where John worked on restoring old vehicles. His latest project was a 1970 Mustang. John had a very outgoing personality, enjoyed being around people, and was known for his sense of humor and his “bad joke of the day”. He rescued stray dogs, and was especially fond of German Shepherds. John held the honorary title of Kentucky Colonel, commissioned by the Governor of Kentucky in 1990. He attended cooking school in France and was an accomplished chef and mixologist. John was a highly creative individual whose life was all too brief. He will always be loved, missed and remembered by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer King and dogs Rusty, Max and Jack; brother, Larry Melady (Charlotte); niece, Nisha Melady; and sister, Kathleen Melady Gick (Gary). Interment will take place at a later date in New Carlisle, Indiana, where he will be buried with his parents and grandparents. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. Friends may register online at http://www.stjohnsfamilyfuneralhome.com/obituary/john-melady. Memorials appreciated to the animal rescue organization of your choice.

John Keith Melady

May 5, 1955 - August 24, 2018