John is survived by his sons, Jeremy and John (Terrance Jankowski), brother David (Judy), and grandson Edward. He is preceded in death by his wife Nancy, and parents Edward and Cleo Northup of Detroit.
John was born March 4, 1937 in Toledo, Ohio to Edward and Cleo Northup. He graduated from Scott High School in Toledo and worked in automotive engineering in the Detroit area. He married Nancy, his high school sweetheart, in 1958. Automobiles were both his profession and his passion: He participated in the Society of Automotive Historians, the Cadillac and LaSalle Club, and the Volvo Club of America. He also enjoyed photography and playing the trombone, and was active for many years at First Congregational Church.
A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2020 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a memorial service beginning at 2 p.m., at Pixley Funeral Home, 322 West University Drive, Rochester, Michigan.