John Lee Sibert

John was born in Washington, D.C. to Joseph and Ruth Sibert on November 13, 1945. The family moved back to Dayton, Ohio when John was less than a year old. He graduated from Colonel White High School, where he developed his love of music while playing trombone and tuba in the marching band. John graduated from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio in 1968 with a major in history. While there, he met his wife Linda Engelken in a French class. They were married in 1970.

After college, John switched fields and earned a master’s degree in geography at the Miami University of Ohio. He subsequently earned a PhD in geography at the University of Michigan specializing in urban geography and computer cartography, making John one of the first users of computer graphics. After graduate school, he taught geography at the Pennsylvania State University but left for a job at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, where he switched fields to computer science.

Los Alamos sent John to George Washington University’s Computer Science Department to work on a project with Dr. James Foley. He subsequently joined the faculty, eventually rising to the rank of full professor. At his retirement in 2012, John was named professor emeritus. His research was in the field of user/computer interaction. John also provided consulting services, including expert witness testimony, which he especially enjoyed.

John loved singing in the choir at St. George’s Episcopal Church Arlington. He also enjoyed playing trombone in the Falls Church City Concert Band. John was an avid runner and loved to hike, but probably his most beloved past-time was traveling with his wife Linda. Over the years, they were fortunate enough to travel extensively, but their adventures in Alaska were probably his favorite. One of his passions was nature photography and John could frequently be seen with a camera around his neck.

A gentle and kind soul, John had a witty sense of humor that family, friends, and students all enjoyed. He especially loved talking about history and sports. He will be remembered for his dedication to his family, friends, and students as well as his love of music.

John is survived by his wife Linda, his children James Sibert (Mandy Folse) and Anne Sibert (Joseph Filippazzo), his grandchildren Nola Folse-Sibert, Zoe Folse-Sibert, Orion Filippazzo, and Olive Filippazzo, and his sister Dorothy Sibert (Sellers Smith).

The family wishes to remember the kindness and support of the staff at The Sylvestery at Vinson Hall, where John was a resident for almost four years.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial donation to the St. George’s Church Music Program or a charity of your choice.

The funeral service will be held at St. George’s Church Arlington in Virginia at a time to be determined.