John Robert Schiffli

Highlands, NC - John Robert Schiffli, age 80, of Highlands, NC, passed away at his residence, Saturday, February 15, 2014. He was born in Palm Beach County, Florida, the son of the late Oswald Felix Schiffli and Regina Sur Schiffli. He was past Chairman of the Board at Highlands Cashiers Hospital, and was on the Foundation Board at the hospital for many years, a past member of Highlands Rotary Club, past President of Highlands Chamber of Commerce. John was a US Army Veteran serving during the Korean War.

His father, who was a decorated Army Doctor in World War I, and practiced medicine in Highlands, commissioned Joe Webb to build a log cabin on Webbmont in the 1920s, where the family still resides. John was raised in Clewiston, FL, and Highlands, NC. His mother taught school in Highlands for many years.

He was Captain of his High School football team and went to Duke University on a football scholarship. He was drafted into the Army during the Korean War and finished his college education at Georgia Tech. There he met his wife, Marlene, who was the secretary for the Dean of Students. After graduation he worked for his father in law Olen Nabors and subsequently, Yancey Brothers in Atlanta, GA. He moved his family to Highlands in 1972, where he has lived since. His career included Frank Cook Real Estate, General Manager of Wildcat Cliffs Country Club, owner of the Galax Theater and John Schiffli Real Estate.
John was very instrumental in the establishment of the Highlands Cashiers Hospital and was dedicated to its growth and development for the past twenty five years. John will be remembered for his passion for the people of Highlands and his family.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marlene Nabors Schiffli; daughter, Anna Marie Herz and husband Patrick of Highlands, NC, and their children, Lucy Herz and Ezra Herz; son, John Robert Schiffli, Jr and his children, Olen, Bevan and Adam Schiffli of Highlands, NC; son Samuel Matthew Schiffli of Nashville, TN and his children Eli and Chandler Schiffli; brother, Richard Schiffli of Gainesville, FL. He was preceded in death by a brother, Nicholas Schiffli.

Memorial services will be held Thursday, February 20, 2014 at 11:00 am at Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church with Father Tien Duong officiating. Burial will be in Highlands Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends after the service.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Highlands Cashiers Hospital, 190 Hospital Drive, Highlands, NC 28741.

Bryant Grant Funeral Home, Franklin NC is in charge of local arrangements.
Online condolences are available by visiting bryantgrantfuneralhome.com or by email.