Warrant Officer John "Johnny" Michael Wirka, Jr (36) passed away on January 14, 2021 from non-combat related injuries. He was the husband of Erica Anne Hughes Wirka and Father to Audrey.

Johnny was born in Tampa, FL on October 2, 1984. He graduated from Lake Mary High School in 2003 and from Florida State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2008. Johnny excelled as a collegiate Hockey player for FSU.  He was the son of John and Allison Wirka.  WO1 Wirka enlisted in the United States Army on February 8, 2010. He deployed multiple times in support of USSOUTHCOM, USNORTHCOM, and Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan. He was commissioned as a Special Forces Warrant Officer in 2020 and was assigned as the Assistant Detachment Commander for SFOD-A 7215.

WO1 Wirka's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star (2nd Award), Army Superior Unit Award, Army Achievement Award, Army Good Conduct Medal (3rd Award), National Defense Service Ribbon, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (2nd Award), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3rd Award), Army Service Ribbon, NATO Non Article 5 Medal for ISAF Afghanistan (2nd Award), Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Parachutist Badge, and Special Operations Diving Supervisor Badge.

Johnny was a devoted family man who leaves a legacy of love and honorably serving his nation.  He is survived by his wife Erica A. Hughes Wirka; daughter Audrey Wirka; parents John and Allison Wirka; brother Daniel; sisters Christina and Julia; grandmother Virginia Wirka; numerous aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces; parent-in-laws Rick and Robyn Hughes; and brother-in-law John Henry.  He is preceded in death by his grandfather William "Bill" Wirka, Sr; grandmother Dona Jacobs and grandparents RW (Mark) and Pat Cheshire.

A time of visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 PM, Friday, January  29, 2021 at Clary-Glenn Freeport Chapel Funeral Home; 150 East Highway 20, Freeport, Florida 32439.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 30, 2021 at St. Rita Catholic Church; 137 Moll Drive, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459 with Father Luke Farabaugh officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Green Beret Foundation, the Special Operations Warrior Foundation or the SSG Alex Viola Foundation in Johnny's name.

A Burial will be held at Historic Gulf Cemetery; 1466 South Highway 393, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459 with full military honors by the United States Army.