John Paul Kost

John Paul (JP) Kost entered the loving arms of God on September 26, 2026, at the age of 45, following a 28-month journey with cancer-marked by immense courage, resilience, and positive perseverance.

Beloved son of Jan and Richard Kost, JP was born in Hawaii in 1981. He carried with him a great love and respect for the ocean that charted his life's path.

JP married his best friend, Nicole, in 2012, after first meeting while both were living near Washington, D.C. Together they built a beautiful life first in Charlotte, North Carolina, and later raising their children, Jackson and Corrine in Miami, Florida before relocating to Ponte Vedra Beach. JP's greatest joy and accomplishment was his family and time spent adventuring with them. He was immensely proud of Jackson's bright passions and Corrine's kind and positive spirit.

Beyond being a devoted husband to Nicole and a proud father to Jackson and Corrine, JP was a loving son and shared a deep, lifelong bond with his brother, Andrew Kost.

Growing up in Bel Air, Maryland, JP was a dedicated student who excelled both academically and athletically. He served as co-captain of the high school football team, earning All-County and All-Metro honors. His accomplishments in track and field were equally impressive, culminating a spot in the state finals. He went on to earn a congressional nomination and appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York, where he continued playing football and forged an enduring brotherhood with his fellow Kings Pointers.

After graduating from Kings Point in 2003, JP began his career at sea, rising to the rank of Second Mate while serving as navigational and safety officer for a prominent cruise line. He later came ashore, working with a defense contractor to support Navy ship repair and modernization. Alongside his maritime career, he was a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve, where he served honorably as a Lieutenant before completing his service in 2013.

Driven by a lifelong passion to accomplish his goals, he earned his MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Kenan-Flagler Business School with a concentration in Global Supply Chain Management. Following graduation, he worked in finance at a major bank. His career came full circle when he returned to the cruise industry where he dedicated the last 12 years-ultimately leading financial planning, strategy, and analysis as Assistant Vice President.

Beyond his service, professional achievements, and devotion to his friends and family, JP is remembered most for his quiet, commanding presence, and warm, welcoming nature. Blessed with sharp intellect and a quick sense of humor, he led with wisdom and unwavering positivity. JP was an anchor for his family and friends with a steady, brilliant mind and eternal optimistic spirit whose legacy lives on in the stories we tell and the lives we live.

JP is survived by his wife, Nicole; son, Jackson; daughter, Corrine; his parents, Jan and Richard Kost; his brother, Andrew Kost, and his wife, Danica; niece, Ava; nephew, Devin; sister-in-law, Rachel Kreis and her husband Kris; niece, Grace Moody; parents-in-law, Roger and Diane; and his many dear aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

In keeping with JP's love of the ocean, a beachside celebration of life will be held Monday, November 2, 2026, 9:30 AM at Mickler's Landing in Ponte Vedra Beach followed by a private reception. In honor of his birthplace and bright spirit, the family warmly invites guests to wear Hawaiian or tropical prints. Guests are encouraged to bring a beach chair or towel, as limited seating will be available for those needing additional support. In the event of severe weather, the Celebration will move indoors to Ponte Vedra Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to support Jackson and Corrine's education accounts. Direct transfers or gifts can be made through the 529 education fund links:

Jackson's 529 Account

Please follow the link and enter gift ID- RBMX26Z

https://myaccount.invest529.com/pls/prod/hwtkgift.p_renderpage_guest_gifting#/gift-center/gift-setup/RBMX26Z

Corrine's 529 Account

Please follow the link and enter gift- ID VV6G8PM

https://myaccount.invest529.com/pls/prod/hwtkgift.p_renderpage_guest_gifting#/gift-center/gift-setup/VV6G8PM