Dr. John Dennis Stokes

He is survived by his two sons, Jonathan (Tiffany) Stokes and Michael (Elizabeth Shannon) Stokes; his three cherished granddaughters, Alexis, Rylee, and Kathryn, who brought him immense joy and pride; and his sister, Judy Hogan of Crown Point, Indiana.

Known to many as Jody, Dr. Stokes grew up in Griffith, Indiana, alongside his sister Judy. After graduating from Griffith High School in 1964, John attended Indiana University, and studied chemistry, earning his degree in 1969. During his first year at Indiana he was a member of the wrestling team and a member of the Chi Phi fraternity throughout his time there. He went on to Loyola University of Chicago where he studied neuropharmacology and received his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in 1976. In his medical practice, he dedicated himself to endocrinology, founding practices and teaching in the field in California, Florida, and Illinois.

From a young man, John was deeply interested in photography and could often be found behind the lens of a camera, capturing the world around him with the same care and precision he brought to so many aspects of his life. His photography ranged from his sons’ sporting events to the great adventures he went on with his beloved, Gayle. John was active in Scouting America, formerly the Boy Scouts of America, his entire life; earning the rank of Eagle Scout and serving as a leader and assistant Scout Master for Troop 434 of Palm Harbor, where his sons also became Eagle Scouts.

Despite living in Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs for more than 35 years, he remained a steadfast fan of Chicago sports teams and could always be found rooting for his beloved Bears, Blackhawks, or Cubs. In addition to his love of photography, John deeply appreciated art of all kinds, especially Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, and Wyland.

Yet of all he accomplished and loved, his greatest achievements were not found in his career, but in his family—sharing more than 52 years of marriage with the love of his life, Gayle, and watching his sons and granddaughters grow into the people he so dearly loved.

Dr. Stokes will be remembered as a devoted physician, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and a man whose steady presence and quiet dedication touched the lives of all who knew him. His legacy lives on through his family and through the countless patients whose lives he improved over the course of his career.

A celebration of his life will be held at the Crystal Beach Community Hall (517 Crystal Beach Ave, Crystal Beach, FL 34681) on Saturday, August 15th at 6:00pm followed by a sunset toast.