John Timothy Worthington (Tim), 72, passed away Sunday, March 17 surrounded by his family. Tim was from Indianapolis, graduated from North Central High School and Indiana University School of Business. He spent his entire career in the hospitality industry, beginning as the breakfast cook during college summers at the Holiday Inn Airport. From then on he had the hotel business “in his blood” and eventually became President and COO of General Hotels Corporation. He was involved in many community organizations and served as president of several of them—including serving as president of 500 Festival Associates, 400 Festival Associates, International Association of Holiday Inns, Indiana Hotel & Lodging Association. He also served on several boards including Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association ( ICVA), Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. (IDI), St. Vincent Foundation, Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, Indianapolis Kiwanis Club of Downtown, Indiana Center of Multiple Sclerosis, and the Capital Improvements Board. Among his Advisory Board positions were Crossroads of America Council, Boy Scouts of America, IUPUI RHIT, Overcoming Obstacles, and Family Advocacy. He served as chair of SKAL club and the Mayor’s Hotel Advisory Council. He was trustee of the Children’s Museum. Tim attended Second Presbyterian Church where he served as a Deacon and an Elder.
Tim was an avid sports fan, especially when it came to IU. Tim enjoyed his fraternity life at Sigma Chi.
Tim is predeceased by his parents, Louise and Jim Worthington, and a brother, Bill. Survivors include a sister, Ann Pate, and his three children, Andy Worthington(Lori), Stacey Rakowski, and Molly Snyder (Chris). Grandchildren Ben, Katy, Luke, Jack, and Ellie also will be missing their grandfather.
Visitation will be held Thursday, March 21, from 4-7 pm at Leppert Mortuary in Nora. The service will be Friday, March 22, at 11 am at Second Presbyterian Church. Contributions to Indiana Chapter of Multiple Sclerosis Society and Kiwanis Club of Downtown Indianapolis are welcome.
