John Edward Cody

In loving memory of John E. Cody who passed away peacefully at home on March 8th, after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis and cancer. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Eva-Lena Cody, children Cheryl Cody (Julien Valenstein) of NY, Michelle Cody-Hartman (Don) of NY, Debra Morton (Brent) of CT, and John C. Cody (Meaghan) of TN, grandchildren Hunter, Shane and Haley Morton, Emma and Harper Cody, sister Eileen Paulson (Harold) of NY and several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. His brother, Matthew J. Cody (Debra) preceded him in death.

He was born in New York City in 1947, to Matthew and Helen Cody, who both preceded him in death. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, dog father, and friend. He loved and cherished spending time with family and friends.

John had a heart of gold, and he will be remembered for his friendly nature, warm hospitality, great mentoring skills, humility, sense of humor, integrity and generosity. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.

He served in the United States Airforce as a Communications Specialist with a Top Secret Security clearance. He earned an undergraduate degree in Accounting from Pace University CW Post, an MBA from Long Island University, and he was also a CPA, and a member of AICPA, NYSSCPA and TSCPA.

John had a distinguished career which began at Charter NY. He then went on to Ericsson Telecommunications where he served as Corporate VP/CFO of the US headquarters. He spent several years at the Hearst Corporation where he held various financial positions, the most recent being VP/Controller of Hearst Book Group.

In February 1999, John joined Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI). He and his wife, Eva-Lena, made the move to TN, a move they never regretted. He was hired as Senior VP/Chief Financial Officer, and was later promoted to Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer. After retiring from BMI in November 2010, he joined the Board of Directors of Gannett (a major worldwide media company) in February 2011, and served as Chair of the Audit Committee until December 2019. He was a member of E&Y Tapestry group (comprised of Audit Chairs from major public companies).

Beyond his professional achievements, John had a deep appreciation for the performing arts. He served on the board of TPAC (Tennessee Performing Arts Center), from 2007 to 2016. He served a two-year term as chairman, and in 2018 he was awarded the coveted Applause Award.

In addition to spending time with family and friends (including the furry ones), and enjoying the performing arts, he loved traveling, fine dining, skiing, running, hiking, reading, working out at the YMCA in Green Hills as well as at the Saugatuck Rowing Club in Westport, CT, near the couple’s vacation home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, Houston Shaggy Dog Rescue, or your favorite charity benefitting veterans, dogs or children.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to friends and neighbors who have been an amazing support network to John and his wife during his illness, as well as caregivers, hospice nurses, pastoral care support, and the amazing doctors and staff of Paradigm Health.

Visitation will be at Marshall-Donnelly-Combs Funeral home (201 25th Ave North, Nashville TN 37203) on Sunday, March 30th from 2pm – 6pm, and a Mass of Christian Burial will be at Christ The King Catholic Church (3001 Belmont Blvd, Nashville, TN 37212) the following day, Monday, March 31st at 10:30am.

A celebration of life will be held in the Northeast at a later date, details to follow.