John Chester Witherspoon

John spent his childhood on the Hilltop and later graduated from Bexley High School in 1955. After high school he attended the University of Hawaii. John furthered his education in engineering while serving his county in the United Stated Navy. In 1959, John began his career with Industrial Nucleonics which became AccuRay and then ABB. His career started as a field service engineer and advanced through the positions of service manager, account manager, general manager and vice president of sales. He ended his career after 42 years proudly as ABB President of US Pulp and Paper, Metals and Mining Group. John would have told you his proudest accomplishments during his career were mentoring the many successful ABB associates.

John was very proud of his professional accomplishments throughout his career but what he was most grateful for was his faith in The Lord. He loved to love people like Jesus. John's infectious smile, contagious laugh and generous heart drew people to him. How John would want to be remembered would be for his love of Jesus and everything John did was to serve Him with a smile.

Retirement was an exciting time for John. He never missed an opportunity to help and mentor others. John loved to help people and help meet their needs…from Habitat for Humanity, being the first volunteer for the Hilliard lunch program now known as SON Ministries where he also served on the board. John also volunteered with the coat drive for Highland Elementary School, Grandparents Program at Worthington Schools. John taught at UALC's Vacation Bible School, baked cookies for Kairos and cherished his Saturday morning Men's Bible Study. John was always honored to be asked career advice by his friends' children as well as the men he mentored while working for ABB.

What John cherished most about life was just being with those he loved. He treasured his lunches with his kids, picking up his grandkids, cheering them on in all ways. John loved to hear the latest stories of how everyone was doing. He loved helping fix something and problem solving.

John and Karyl adored traveling and spending time with their friends and family. John loved walks on the beach and fishing. He enjoyed his garden and making it just right. Every year it was prettier than the last.

John will be greatly missed by his loving wife Karyl of 35 years; his children John Jr (Annette) Witherspoon , Kathryn (Paul) Groeniger, Richard (Jane) Witherspoon, daughter Tori (Mike) Short, and his grandchildren Grace, Andrew, Grant, John III, Sam, Mitchell, Colin, Elise, Mila, Tess and Mara. Dear in-laws Skip and Betsy Bergquist and Marvin Losey and niece Anita (Jim) Miller.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Virginia Losey.

Memorial service will be held 6 pm on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church, Mill Run Campus, 3500 Mill Run Dr., Hilliard, Ohio 43026, where family will receive friends following the service. A private family burial was held at Union Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Nationwide Children's Hospital . Vasculitis Foundation , Son Ministries (Serving Our Neighbors) ,

We hope to celebrate John with you! When you see a flower think of John smiling from heaven!