John Dwaine Ervine

John Dwaine Ervine, 87, passed away in Gulfport, MS on January 5th, 2024 from complications following a stroke on November 8, 2023. John was born in Billings, MT, to parents Albert (Red) Ervine and Edna Kerner Ervine. He was raised in Portland, OR, where he graduated from Jefferson High School and attended Portland State University before joining the U.S. Army and then the U.S. Air Force Reserves. 

John married his high school sweetheart, Marjorie Jacobson, and they had four beautiful children. He was a born salesman, where he prospered in the insurance industry. He later became Vice President of Shakey’s Pizza in California. John really found his niche working for Al Copeland’s Popeyes Famous Fried Chicken in New Orleans, LA, by becoming Executive Vice President of Franchise Sales. During his tenure he and his team sold over 600 franchises. He continued his sales work with George S. May International, Gulf Pacific, Inc., and Turan-Foley Motors in Gulfport, MS. 

In July, 1977 he met and subsequently married the love of his life, Dee Kelly Ervine. They were delighted to learn that they had the same birthday, May 18th, and they chose to make it their wedding day. They were best friends for over 47 years, and he made her laugh nearly every day. With his wife’s permission John had many “step wives” (you know who you are!) who were Dee’s BFF’s. Their great love was for animals, both dogs and cats, and their Shih Tzu, Jazzy, still misses her Daddy. 

He enjoyed singing and was a member of four different Catholic choirs in his lifetime, St. Fabian, St. Thomas Aquinas, and Sacred Heart in Hattiesburg, MS; and St. Thomas the Apostle in Long Beach, MS.  

John’s true passion was in the kitchen cooking for family and friends. He loved sharing his culinary skills, whether cooking for three or for thirty. 

John was predeceased by his adoring parents, Red and Edna, his younger brother, Steve (Barbara), and was devastated by the passing of his son, Shawn (Madeleine) in Hillsboro, OR. He is survived by his loving wife, Dee; his brother, Michael of Longview, WA; daughter, Denise of Rowlett, TX; daughter, Kristi of Bremerton, WA; son, Dennis (Sharan), of Rowlett, TX; his son Alan Boyd of New Orleans; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Kellye and Tommy Hysmith of Long Beach, MS; his nieces Kristen and Lisa Hysmith of Long Beach, MS; his many grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church on Beach Blvd. in Long Beach, MS on Friday, February 23, 2024 at 12:00 noon. Visitation with the family will begin at 11:00. Refreshments will be served after Mass. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite animal shelter. 

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Gulfport, MS is honored to serve the family of John Dwaine Ervine.