John Paul Prevatt

John P. Prevatt, 81, of Tampa, Florida, passed away on July 1, 2026, at Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, John was raised in Florahome, Florida, and was the beloved son of the late Wilbur and Bessie Prevatt. He graduated from Palatka High School and later earned his Associate of Arts degree from St. Johns River State College. John's life's work and greatest passion was the martial arts. Beginning his journey in 1966, he devoted 60 years to the study, teaching, and advancement of martial arts. He owned and operated martial arts studios in the Tampa and Lutz areas for many years, where he mentored countless students and earned the admiration and respect of generations of martial artists. His dedication, discipline, and leadership made him an iconic figure in Florida's martial arts community. Through decades of commitment and excellence, John achieved the distinguished title of Grand Master and earned his 9th Degree Black Belt. His contributions to the martial arts were recognized nationally through his induction into multiple prestigious organizations, including the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame and the Action Martial Arts Magazine Hall of Honors. Beyond his many accomplishments, John will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to his students, his passion for teaching, and the positive influence he had on everyone, fortunate enough to know him. His legacy lives on through the thousands of lives he touched, the values he instilled, and the martial arts community he helped build. John is survived by his children, Jason (Sarah) blatt-Prevatt, sue (tony) Szymborski, Julie Frey; grandchildren, Logan (Phoebe) Blatt-Prevatt, Gabriella (Luke) Harwood, Sarah (ty) Ramirez, Leah Szymborski, Mandy (Alex) Sneed, Alex Frey, Colin Frey, Allison Frey; great grandchildren, Luca blatt-Prevatt, Violet Harwood, Sunny Harwood, Jason Ramirez, Cayden Ramirez; significant other, RoseMary Riley; cousins, Jeanne Merwin, Dottie Scruggs (Joe) and Penny White and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Bessie and his grandparents John and Emma Prevatt. A funeral service will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at St Johns Family Funeral Home with a visitation preceded service from 11am-12 noon. Burial will immediately follow at Prevatt Cemetery in Starke. Located at 13296 US-301, Starke, FL 32091. Those unable to attend the service may watch the live-stream by going to: https://iframe.dacast.com/live/2a7a09ae1c0559a83ef537e05e6a14a6/0d926f14-3fd3-923f-c556-1f0bb777106f.

John Paul Prevatt

July 31, 1944 - July 1, 2026