John was a mentor and friend to many in the industry. It was a special honor when he asked to become part of Visionary Philanthropic Consulting, as he was my first boss at Blackburn College, and then at the University of Missouri-Columbia. His advancement career extended to Drake University, the Cleveland Clinic, (where we were colleagues once again), and then Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Akron Children’s Hospital Foundation, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and Innova Health Care.

With a special talent for major and planned gifts he lead several campaigns, most notably one which lead to the construction of the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center for National Air and Space Museum in Chantilly, Virginia. For his work there, John was made an honorary member of NASA by Vice Admiral Donald D. Engen, then Director of the National Air and Space Museum.  

John had a fondness for collectable cars, wooden boats and airplanes; having owned several of each.  He had a great smile and leaves a wonderful legacy with his loving family.  His ashes are in the garden of the UCC Church in Naples, Florida. May God Bless you on your next flight John!