John Lee Westley Jr.

Mr. John Lee Westley Jr., affectionately known as "Johnny" to his family, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2026, in Hampton, Virginia, at the age of 86. Born on November 11, 1939, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, he was the eldest of eight siblings and a steadfast source of support to his family from an early age.

John’s life was a masterful testament to dedication and resilience. At just nine years old, he began working to help support his mother and siblings. Taking jobs as a pinsetter at a local bowling alley and later as a caddy. These early experiences not only shaped his character, but also sparked his lifelong love for bowling and golf—two passions that brought him joy throughout his life.

After graduating high school, John enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. His first duty station Embarking on a distinguished 22-year military career that included service in the Vietnam War. Rising to the rank of Master Sergeant, he earned both the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal for his exemplary contributions. He often fondly recalled serving with Daniel "Chappie" James Jr., fighter pilot and first African American four-star general in the U.S. Air Force. John's passion for aviation remained strong; he never missed an opportunity to admire aircraft soaring overhead—a vivid reminder of his years of service.

Following his retirement from the military, John continued to dedicate himself to service, with a 22-year career at the Defense Logistics Agency in Norfolk, Virginia. Later in life, he found new purpose as a Psych Tech at Riverside Mental Health and Recovery Center. He spent two decades offering compassion and support to youth and adults facing mental health challenges. Additionally, he served as a Youth Counselor for several years, encouraging young people to dream boldly and embrace action—a philosophy that defined his own journey.

Education was another cornerstone of John’s life. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Leo College, and later pursued a Master of Arts degree from Hampton University. A lifelong learner with an insatiable curiosity. John embraced opportunities for growth by attending short courses throughout his life, and actively participating in Hampton University’s OSHER program.

While stationed in Japan John met his wife, Tomoe Ishikawa. Tomoe introduced him to Nichiren Buddhism. He joined Soka Gakkai in 1959 and began chanting NAM MYOHO RENGE KYO for profound happiness and activating their fullest potential. John and Tomoe together hosted meetings and fought for World Peace for many years in Japan. The practice guided them both and their daughter Tioni, as they were active members of SGI-USA in Hampton for decades.

For years he served as a lay leader, within the Southeast Virginia SGI-USA Buddhist organization. John inspired countless individuals with his steadfast dedication to peace and personal growth. In recognition of these efforts toward world peace and humanity's betterment, he was honored with the SGI-USA Liberty Award in 1998. Guided by the teachings of Daisaku Ikeda—his mentor—John embodied their shared belief: “A great human revolution in just a single individual will help achieve a change in the destiny of all humankind.”

John possessed an unmistakable vibrancy that shone through every aspect of his life. A lover of music who cherished rhythm as much as reflection, he rarely missed the annual Hampton Jazz Festival. Could often be found listening to his favorite jazz artist Herbie Hancock’s “Rock It”. A huge fan of Michael Jackson, jammed to his favorite album "Off the Wall” while driving his Fusion wearing cool sunglasses. Proud of having attended the Jackson's tour concert at the Hampton Coliseum in 1981.

Known for his impeccable style, John took great pride in dressing sharply—meticulously coordinating every detail of his outfits with flair and precision. His sense of humor and positive outlook uplifted everyone around him. Mottos like “Never Give Up” and “Feed the positive and starve the negative”, became guiding principles not only for himself but for others whom he sought to inspire. True to this spirit, John even created pens, T-shirts, and bags adorned with uplifting messages. Small tokens infused with hope meant to brighten someone’s day. He hosted bowling parties for youth within his Buddhist organization and shared words of encouragement—and sometimes pocket change.

An active member of his community long into retirement, John volunteered at the Hampton University Museum, supported initiatives such as Victory Over Violence campaigns, annual activities and events of the Season for Nonviolence, and WHRO. In 2025, he participated in The Chamberlin Senior Olympics—an event that highlighted his enduring love for fitness and exercise. Walking along the boardwalk, riding the exercise bike, boxing, and weight training. "Champ" he was called by his young trainer who worked out with him. A testament to both his enduring vitality and commitment to staying engaged with life.

A Pittsburgh Steelers and Penn State football fan, John found joy in life’s simple pleasures. Excelling in bowling leagues; watching pool and ping pong competitions; playing bingo; solving puzzles; indulging in his favorite chocolate treats like ice cream, cake, cookies, and hershey kisses; buying Girl Scout cookies from the troop next-door; attending neighborhood cookouts; and clipping his daily Scorpio horoscope. A lover of books he amassed a large collection dating back to 1959. Favorites will be donated and placed in The Chamberlin’s Poe Library in his memory — a historic residence where he fulfilled a dream of living.

Above all else stood John's devotion to loved ones—the family connections that grounded him amid life’s many chapters. He maintained lifelong bonds with childhood friends from Williamsport; military comrades; co-workers from both the Navy & Riverside Mental Health Center; along with members of the Buddhist community around the world.

A self-made man who worked tirelessly throughout his life without expecting anything from anyone, John was respected as a strong individual with an unshakable spirit. His legacy lives on through those whose lives he touched with kindness, wisdom, humor—and above all—love. May Mr. John Lee Westley Jr.’s memory serve as an enduring source of inspiration for all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A devoted father to Tioni Westley; brother to Rosemary Davis Westley; grandfather to John Moody Jr.; great-grandfather to Autumn Moody and Aaaheer Moody; uncle to numerous nieces and nephews; brother-in-law to Betty Westley and Pat Westley. He was predeceased by his wife, Tomoe Westley; parents, Katherine Short and John L. Westley Sr.; son, John Moody Sr., siblings Eleanor Westley, Margerie Short, Joseph Westley Sr., Thomas Westley Sr., Jimmy Westley, and Harriet Reynolds.

A Funeral Service will be held on April 18, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 2551 N Armistead Avenue, Hampton Virginia. Viewing will take place from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM followed by services from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.