John was born in Miami, Florida on July 28, 1943, to the late John Farley and Garnett Elizabeth Corbitt Fales. In 1961, he served in the U.S. Navy for 2 years as a First Aid Attendant and was on Midway Island as a medical corpsman. When he returned home, he continued his schooling to be an LPN and this is where he met Carol. After school, he worked at Sarasota Memorial Hospital for 1-2 years before he decided to quit and join his dad as a flooring technician and did so for over 40 years.
An artist and a gardener at heart, he also found joy in playing his guitar, writing songs, and quietly watching birds. John was a man of God whose faith was deeply rooted. In 1980, he was baptized by Bro. John Stemen and became a faithful member of House of Fellowship, which is currently in Myakka City. He filled many positions including deacon, Sunday School teacher, ministering in songs personally written by him, and was the guitar player for approximately 40 years.
John is survived by his loving wife of 59 years: Carol Fales; Daughters: Tammy Lynn Smith and Polly Ann Stemen (Terry); Grandchildren: Christopher (Helena), Alyssa, Kaylyn, Amanda (Chris), Benjamin (Adrianna), and Taryn; along with 4 great-grandchildren: Raina, Chloe, Theo and Bennett and many extended family and friends.