Local businessman found dead

Published 3:52 pm Tuesday, December 22, 2009

John W. McBroom, 65, a retired Bainbridge financial adviser, was found dead Tuesday morning in the waters of a marina in Panama City, Fla.

Panama City Police Department Sgt. Jeff Becker said at approximately 7:40 a.m. EST, law enforcement was notified that a male was located in the water at Watson Bayou, a marina where McBroom had his sailboat moored.

John McBroom Jr., one of John and Raquel McBroom’s three sons, said one of the sons discovered McBroom in the water.

Email newsletter signup

Police said he was staying in Panama City with family.

McBroom would have turned 66 years old Wednesday.

“The Panama City Police Department would like to express its deepest condolences to the family during this tragic time,” Becker’s prepared statement said. “We will keep the public updated with any further information as it becomes available for release.”

McBroom started a Edward Jones’ branch on Broughton Street around 1985-86. He was a regular contributor of financial columns to The Post-Searchlight as well.

About a year ago, McBroom turned over his business to his partner, Emily Yent.

Prior to becoming a stock broker, McBroom was a U.S. Army veteran of 20 years, being a part of Special Forces and a pilot during the Vietnam War, said his son, John Jr.

McBroom was an active member of the Rotary Club and served on the Bainbridge College Foundation, and Yent said he was community-minded and gave generously to local charities.

McBroom is survived by his wife, Raquel; three sons, John Jr., Scott and Michael, and two grandchildren.

“He’s just a good husband, wonderful father, hard worker and a good friend,” John Jr. said. Tuesday.

Ivey Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.