Edward Chike John

“Edward Chike John”

March 28, 1954 - January 13, 2011

Chukwunweike Jocelyn Edward John, know to many as Chike, was born in Aba, Nigeria on March 20, 1954 to Josephus Theophilus and Cecilia Obiageli (Oyolu) John. He is the 5th of six children born to this union. His parents preceeded him in death, as did his older sister, Darling Bernadette Ugoji.

He received his early instruction at the Santa Maria Private School in Aba. Upon completion, he proceeded to St. Gregory's College in Lagos, Nigeria. At the approach of the Nigerian Civil War, Chike was withdrawn from St. Gregory’s College and transferred to Sacred Heart College in Aba. The escalation of the war prompted his parents to relocate him to Freetown, Sierra Leone. While there, Chike completed his studies at St. Edward’s Secondary School in Kinto, Sierra Leone. Although he bore the name Jocelyn throughout his early childhood, the precious time at St. Edward’s is believed to be the reason for his preference for the name Edward. Chike continued his training at Fourah Bay College and later Njallah University. Raised in the environment of his father's civil engineering firm, Chike decided to follow in his father’s footsteps, earning an Associates Degree in Electrical Engineering in Freetown, Sierra Leone before immigrating to the United States.

When he entered the United States, he followed his previous pattern for academic achievement and enrolled in Florida Memorial College. In 1978, he received a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Mathematics from Florida Memorial followed by a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology in 1980 and a Master of Business Administration from George State University in 1986. His search for employment led him to IBM where he labored as a reliability and maintainability engineer, pioneering the use of other manufacturers' components in IBM systems. After his stay with IBM, he joined the staff of Technical Analysis Corporation (TCA), the designer and manufacturer of the Irma board and the first statistical multiplexor. At TCA, he formulated their total quality assurance and implementation plans. Although he was a talented employee, Chike desired greater challenges and professional autonomy. His ambition lead him to establish and partner an engineering firm in geotechnical and computer services which was the focus of his attention until his death.

The academic and professional accomplishments, however, are only a small measure of this great man. Chike’s greatest contributions rest in the relationships that he fostered, many of which span decades. He made friends with strangers and those friends grew into family. Chike was compassionate and giving to others. He often provided shelter, food, encouragement and inspiration. He allowed his optimism about life and people to lift the spirits of those around him. It was not uncommon for people to stop him in public places and begin a conversation; he was well-known and well-liked.

Chike’s home was often busy with conversation, food, and laughter. It was not unusual for a small gathering to explode into a hearty celebration. These gatherings were accompanied by energetic music, which is reflected in his vast musical collection. Chike enjoyed lively discussions over politics and current events. When he wasn’t working, he could be found reading about current world events and politics. Chike would often confound his friends and associates with his knowledge about various topics.

Chike was a great thinker and strategist, a trait he cultivated in his daughters. At an early age, Chike challenged them to push beyond ordinary. This lesson was echoed during “friendly” games of tennis and while “at play” on the chest board or Scrabble. Chike utilized these ordinary moments to teach extraordinary lessons about life and personal responsibility. He took great pride in his daughters and spoke of them often to his numerous friends.

Chike’s walk as a believer in Christ started at an early age in the Catholic Church. Until the time of his death, he worked to live a life that reflected his enduring faith. Although he has transitioned into heaven, Chike’s memory will remain in the hearts of many. He leaves a legacy of faith, high achievement, and friendship that will be greatly missed by his large family which includes his 3 children- Chika Norrene John, Charles Okwudili John, Meik (Eric) Lee; 6 surviving siblings - Dr. Thomas A. John, Professor Celestine T. John, Emmanuel Akin John, Rosemary Ebun Abuchi, Consola Ewa-Henshaw, Vivienne Bisi Bage; 4 grandchildren – Eric Wendel, Emmanuel Warrick, Elizabeth Wonder, Ellis Wynton; ex-wife and devoted friend - Diane John; over 25 nieces and nephews, dozens of cousins, and countless friends.

Arrangements under the direction of Horis A. Ward - Tara Chapel, Jonesboro, GA.