John D. King

John D. King, was born March 21, 1936, in Hartford City, Indiana, to Sam and Nellie (Zook) King. Three months later he accompanied his missionary parents to India, eventually attending boarding school at Kodaikanal International School in southern India and graduating from high school in 1953 before the family’s return to the United States.

On August 2, 1958, he married Jean Sutter at Hopedale Mennonite Church, Hopedale, Illinois. In addition to his wife, Jean, he is survived by his son Randall King (Patricia) La Grange Park, Illinois; and daughter, Karen King (David Ammar) of Tampa, Florida; and grandchildren John J. King (Chicago), Catherine King (Chicago), Daniel King (Chicago), Simon Ammar (Tampa), and Helen Ammar (Tampa); and brother Stan King (Bonnie) of Goshen, Indiana.

John earned his Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics and Education from Goshen College in 1957. John began his career in education, first teaching for 2 years at Starr Commonwealth, Albion, Michigan; this was his 1W service as a conscientious objector (1957-1959). The remainder of his career included 33 years at Lyons Township High School, La Grange, Illinois, where he served in various capacities - as a math teacher, special education teacher, guidance counselor, dean of students, and soccer and basketball coach. He received a Master’s Degree from Chicago Teachers College in 1965.

John enjoyed his students and players a great deal, starting the school’s soccer program and being selected Illinois high school soccer coach of the year. While living in the Chicago suburbs, he served as treasurer for Lombard Mennonite Church for many years.

Upon retirement, John and Jean moved to Aiken, South Carolina, where John enjoyed playing golf, maintaining a wide range of ornamental plants around their home, and following the activities of their grandchildren. Since childhood, John played and avidly followed sports, having a keen interest in and understanding of many. He enjoyed travel; researching, planning, and photographing trips he and Jean made throughout much of North America and internationally.

Interment of ashes will be at Violett Cemetery, Goshen. Memorial contributions in honor of John may be made to the Sutter Family Memorial Scholarship at Goshen College.

Visitation will be Saturday, October 16, 2021, from 10 until the 11 a.m., memorial service at College Mennonite Church.