Dr. John Jay Crittenden passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 20, 2023, at the age of 63.

John was born in Peoria, IL and grew up in the Pensacola/Gulf Breeze area. He attended Catholic High School and graduated summa cum laude from Georgia Tech with a degree in Applied Mathematics. He earned his M.D. from the University of South Alabama's medical school and completed his residency in ophthalmology at Duke University Hospital. John practiced ophthalmology in Pensacola for many years, and is remembered fondly by patients and colleagues as a talented and compassionate physician. He was an extremely skilled surgeon, and he saved sight and improved vision for countless patients, including many family members.

John was very active and excelled in many sports including golf, tennis, distance/marathon running, cycling, and even completed an Ironman triathlon. He loved playing these sports with his parents, his sister Julie, and his brother Jamie, and also coached all four of his children in various sports including baseball, basketball, and soccer. John loved spending time on the Gulf and enjoyed swimming, body-surfing, diving and spearfishing, and fishing. He shared a love of aviation with his brother Jamie and was an accomplished pilot. He was a huge sci-fi fan, and was a lifelong Trekkie. He was also a passionate tutor and particularly enjoyed helping his students in mathematics and science.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Judith Gegner Crittenden.

He is survived by his children, Sarah, Matthew, Mark, and Anna Crittenden; his former wife, Kathy Crittenden; his father, Dr. Jay Crittenden and stepmother Leta Crittenden; sister, Julie Abshire and brother, Jamie Crittenden; and stepbrothers, Jimmy and Greg Davis.

We will miss you John and will remember all of the good times. You have been and always shall be loved.

Private memorial services will be held for family and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Duke Eye Center, 300 West Morgan Street, Suite 1000, Durham, NC  27701 or at https://dukeeyecenter.duke.edu/donate