John went to great lengths to learn all facets of amateur radio regulations in an effort to assist those who called ARRL with questions. It's hard to imagine ARRL without him.
John was one of many ARRL staffers who moved to Connecticut from other parts of the country. As a fellow Southerner, he provided me with helpful perspective on adjusting to life in Connecticut. Prior to my first winter storm here, he told me to make sure I had a snowbrush for my car. I asked him the same question he asked someone else years earlier: "What's a snowbrush?"
He politely explained that it's a brush for removing snow from one's vehicle. John was always good at politely answering questions, even when the answer should be obvious.
I was shocked to hear that John has passed away. It's so sad when we hear of a person like John, that so loved life, this great hobby, and was admired and respected by a great number of friends and colleages, passes away so young.
As the South East Repeater Association's FCC Liaison, John and I often talked about rules relating to repeater operation, coordination, etc. I will sure miss him. The league has some some big shoes to fill to replace him.
I worked with John for several years at the ARRL in Newington, CT. From time to time, I would have questions about the details of a particular FCC Rule, and more specifically how that rule should be interpreted. If he didn’t have a good (and accurate) answer right on the tip of his tongue, it didn’t take him but a few minutes to call back with the correct answer or interpretation. John was one of those people that you like instantly the moment you first met him. I was shocked to learn of his passing at such a young age. May you rest in Peace in God’s presence, my friend.
73,
Wayne, W1KI/4
John provided me with accurate interpretations of the amateur rules many times via e-mail, although I never once met him. He's going to leave some awful large empty shoes to fill. Never once was he curt or rude, and in a single e-mail exchange I would always have all my answers without having to ask time and again. John appeared to me to be one of those "one in a million" people that you never forget. We'll all miss him.
I worked with John for several years at the ARRL. He was unfailingly friendly, helpful, and knowdlegeable, and it was a privilege and a pleasure to have him as a friend. We kept in touch occasionally in the years since I left the ARRL, and I was greatly saddened to learn he had passed away. He was a true Southern gentleman who made the world a better place and brightened the day for those he encountered. 73 and rest in peace John.
As the Chief Handbook Editor for four years at ARRL, I would contact John for assistance with regulatory or historical information to use in the Handbook or other Ham publications to which I was assigned. John was very professional and precise in his responses to what I would ask him for. He always gave me updated information, new web addresses for sites of interest and friendly help with genuine good humor. Perhaps more than this, I enjoyed our many lunches together at ARRL, his southern manners, his insight into different facets of this great hobby and his Christian character. Your fellowship and encouragement meant a great deal to me, my friend. You're fondly remembered by many as you walk in glory now with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
God Bless and 73 OC!
I did not know John, but based on the stories posted I would have to say he must have been one hellava guy. To see such dedication to one's work is indeed a rarity today.As a new ham i have found many new and caring friends within our ranks. May he rest in peace.