John M. Fahnestock

John M. Fahnestock, Jr. died December 23, 2015, in Ocean Springs, MS, at the age of 80. He was predeceased by his parents, John M. and Mae Cassibry Fahnestock, of DeLisle, MS., his sister, Janie Sue Ebdon, and brother in law, William Ebdon, of Katy, TX.
John was born in the Panama Canal Zone on January 4, 1935 and graduated from Cristobal High School in 1952. He loved the outdoors and considered Panama a paradise. He attended the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY, where he graduated with a B.S. degree in Marine Engineering. He was Captain of the Rifle Team and Regimental Bandmaster.
During his sea year at Kings Point he visited 13 different countries on U.S. Flagships in the capacity of Cadet/Midshipman.
Immediately following graduation on August 3, 1956, he married his sweetheart Marion Phillips in the Kings Point Chapel.
John is survived by Marion, his loving wife of 59 years, their two children, Karen Jones (David), and John Fahnestock III., (Laura), two grandchildren, Stephanie and Kelsey, and two great-grandchildren, Brielle and Gavin as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Upon graduation from Kings Point, John's initial employer was Sperry Marine Systems in Charlottesville, VA. He left Sperry in 1964 to assist in the development of an optical engineering and design capability at Ferson Optics in Ocean Springs, MS.
In 1975, in a spinoff from Ferson, John and key business associates formed Alpha Optical Systems, Inc., with the primary business purpose of designing and manufacturing advanced technology optical systems and subsystems for national defense. In 1979, on nomination by Hughes Aircraft Company, Alpha was selected National Small Business Sub-Contractor of the Year. Alpha was also awarded the state's ""Golden Glove"" for its contribution to the development of manufacturing capabilities within the state.
Throughout his career he was active in the promotion of economic development within the state. He was chairman of the Mississippi Science and Technology Commission and for many years was Chairman of the Jackson County Jury Commission. In his hometown of Ocean Springs, he served as Chairman of the Board of Deacons and as an Elder in the First Presbyterian Church. He was a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow.
John's favorite pastime was enjoying his boat, the last of which was ""Moonshine"", a 43ft, 8 knot trawler. He made his ""dream"" voyage in 1996, a 2,500 mile, 3 month round trip to the Bahamas, accompanied by his wife, Marion, and Miniature Schnauzer, Mitzi.
A PRIVATE memorial will be held at a later date. RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 13872 Lemoyne Blvd, at the corner of Washington Ave, is serving the family. Memorial gifts may be made to: The Parkinson's Research Foundation, 1359 Broadway, NY, NY 10018, or to your charity of choice. Tributes may be offered and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com.