John was born on 8th June 1931 in West Ham London.  He lived close to the Victoria Docks which were a prime target for German Bombers.  After a heavy night of bombing and at the age of just 9, Johns mother took him and his 2 sisters and headed for a red London bus and left the area.  They arrived at Epping Forest and stayed the night there, after a number of moves sheltering they eventually settled in the village of Littlebury, it was here that he was to meet the love of his life Gillian.  Jill also moved to the village with her parents and 8 siblings.  At the age of just 16, John was waiting with friends for a bus to town, as was Jill with some of her siblings. Unfortunately as the bus was full a few walked into town, only for Jill to discover that she had no money to pay for a cinema ticket, John being the gentleman he was paid and this was to be the start of their 75 year relationship.  

John's first job was as a Farm Labourer, and then became a Stockman responsible for the cattle.  With a growing family he decided to leave the farm and became a Tanker Driver for a local chemical company (Ciba ARL), then later moved positions to be a Plant Operator until he retired in 1991.

John and Jill married on St Michaelmas Day 29th September 1951 and had two daughters Sandra and Susan.  Family holidays were John's joy, he loved his time in Devon and Cornwall and early memories were as the journeys took so long, we stopped halfway to cook a fried breakfast in a layby which signalled the start of a good holiday. John's memorable event was seeing his daughters marry and have families of their own, with 4 Grandsons, 1 Granddaughter, 7 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great Great Grandchild.  68 years all bar 1 day, John and Jill renewed their wedding vows in the same church and had an afternoon tea party in the same Village Hall.

John's early interest was his garden growing his own vegetables, which later as time moved on slowly was grassed for ease of maintaining.  He then found a new interest in Carpet Bowls opening doors for new friendships and a lively social life, as John loved to sing and dance.  He later grew an interest in football and followed a particular team in sky blue and white, Manchester City and often referred to them as his team.

John was the perfect gentleman, independent and proud and sometimes stubborn but never wanting to put anyone out.  He would always be there to lend a hand and you could guarantee he would be always there is needed and a great listener.  He will be missed for a number of things but most of all for his outbursts of singing as he serenade's his beloved Jill,