The Patriarch: The Life and Legacy of Ziadeh (John) Hanna Farhat

There were many sides to John Farhat. His role as husband, father, grandfather, church leader, advisor, and faithful friend, are only a few. They all point his nature as a deeply caring individual who lived for his family and others instead of himself. Another side was that of his hard work and entrepreneurial spirit that produced Green Acres Sporting Goods: an enterprise with 20,000 square feet of everything a sportsman could want. Today, Green Acres is one of Northeast Florida’s largest privately held sporting goods retailers. Still another side of John’s life is his immigrant roots. In 1953, he and his new bride, Jeanette, travelled from Ramallah in Palestine, to Jacksonville, Florida, where they fulfilled the Great American Dream. John’s exemplary life that spanned 83 years is the account of a loving man who worked tirelessly to overcome great obstacles, raise a successful family, and impart an enduring legacy. Such is the role of a true Patriarch.