Tributes

John, who preferred to be called “Johnny”, was born May 12, 1944, in Sebring, Florida, to John Emmett Clonts, Jr. and Sara Emily Freeman. His father was killed in World War II when Johnny was four months old and his mother later remarried when Johnny was eight to Conrad Dean Crusoe, who adopted Johnny when he was sixteen. Johnny graduated from Leon High School in 1962, where, among other honors, he was Captain of the Football Team and is a member of the Leon High Football Hall of Fame. He graduated from Florida State University in 1966 where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order. He received his Juris Doctor degree from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in 1970 and served in the Army Reserve from 1966-1972. Admitted to the Florida Bar in 1970, he was Small Claims Court Judge from 1973-1975 and elected Leon County Judge in 1980. Johnny was appointed Circuit Judge for the Second Judicial Circuit in 1990 and was subsequently re-elected, retiring from the bench in December of 2008. Johnny married his Leon High School sweetheart, Barbara Dee Hopkins. They were married almost 60 years and had three beloved children: Jennifer Leigh Crusoe, Marcy Hopkins Crusoe (deceased), and John Emmett “Bo” Crusoe, Jr. He adored his three grandchildren: Marcy Messer Foisy (Alec), John William Messer, and Emily Landis Messer. He is also survived by his dear sister, Debbie McKnight (Jim), and lots of nieces and nephews, who were very special to him. Johnny loved his wife and family; they were his pride and joy. He enjoyed his and Dee’s time in Apalachicola, monthly lunches with his Leon High School football teammates, watching FSU football and baseball, and working in the yard. Johnny enjoyed playing golf but gave it up since he spent most of his time in the woods looking for balls. He also always had a “tricked out” (spotless) GMC truck. Johnny was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Tallahassee, where he served on the Vestry, and later joined Trinity Episcopal Church in Apalachicola, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister. Johnny would like to be remembered as a good Christian, husband, father, Papa, and a firm but fair judge. Also, that he fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7-8). A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 79 6th Street in Apalachicola, Florida. In lieu of flowers, Johnny requested that those who would like to make a contribution consider Trinity Episcopal Church, Apalachicola; St. John’s Episcopal Church, Tallahassee; the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, or Big Bend Hospice. Breanna Green of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with their arrangements.

Tributes

Hon. John Emmett Clonts Crusoe

May 12, 1944 - July 5, 2025