John Arthur Marshall (May 9, 1940 – March 28, 2016): Longtime patriot, Florida Gator fan, career military officer, and environmentalist John Arthur Marshall was widely known and respected as a trusted colleague, true friend, humanitarian, devoted husband, stepfather, uncle, and nemesis to those who did not support his commitment to preserving the environment!

 

In 1998, John Marshall founded the Florida Environmental Institute and the Arthur R. Marshall Foundation to continue the work of his uncle, Arthur R. Marshall, renowned environmentalist and namesake of the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. As co-founders of the organization, John and his wife, Nancy, devoted themselves to fulfilling Arthur Marshall’s dream, and served for 17 years as chairman and president, respectively. After his uncle passed, John knew he would dedicate his life to the preservation and restoration of the Everglades ecosystem.

 

John’s commitment to the environment included chairing the Environmental Action Committee for the South Florida Water Management District; serving on the Everglades Coalition; acting as spokesman for the Florida Environmental Institute, and as vice president of Friends of the Refuge. John was named "Conservationist of the Year" by the Audubon Society of the Everglades and the Florida Wildlife Federation in 2001.

 

He also received the 2003 "Conservationist of the Year Award" from the Flagler chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and in 2004, received the Environmental Education Award from the Florida Association of Environmental Professionals. Marshall also received a Commendation from The Everglades Foundation for his “Leadership and Service in Protecting America’s Everglades.” 

 

In 2013, Nancy Marshall joined the Board of Directors of The Everglades Foundation, bringing to the organization her longtime, shared passion for the precious ecosystem. She and John also inspired The Everglades Foundation’s adoption of two key programs previously led by the Arthur R. Marshall Foundation, including an 8-week undergraduate internship program, and symposia focused on the vital importance of Everglades restoration. After John’s passing in 2016, The Everglades Foundation honored his leadership and legacy by naming its annual symposium, “The John Marshall Everglades Symposium.”