He was born June 19, 1940 to Robert Elmer Ginn and Ida Mae Fort Ginn, who preceded him in death. John grew up in Knoxville, TN and graduated from West High School. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in 1956. He loved hiking the Smokies and the Appalachian Trail. John then attended Union University on a track scholarship. He met his wife, Jo Ann Godwin, at Union and they married in 1961.
John worked at General Foods, later Kraft Foods, for 35 years. After retirement, he worked part time for Memphis Funeral Home. He enjoyed restoring and showing classic cars and the friendships he made doing so. Over the years, he and Jo Ann traveled extensively to all 50 states and abroad. His greatest loves were for his Savior Jesus Christ, his wife Jo Ann and his family. John is a member of Gracepoint Baptist Church and formerly Mullins Station Baptist Church where he served at both churches as deacon, treasurer and Bible Study teacher. Missions were an important part of his life; he supported both North American and International missions, including several trips to Asia.
John is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jo Ann; one daughter, Donna McCluey (Paul) of Bartlett; three sons, Bobby Ginn (Jennifer) of Franklin, TN, David Ginn of Covington, Phillip Ginn (Sharon) of Germantown; one brother, Richard Ginn (Brenda) of Knoxville; seven grandchildren, Daniel Hobbs (Lindsey), Josh McCluey, Casey Tindall (Zac), Zac Ginn (Charlene), Jacob Ginn, LeeAnna Ginn and Jonah Ginn; and four great grandchildren, Jackson & Nina Hobbs, Ellie & Arlo Tindall.
The family asks guests to please observe county and city ordinances for masks and social distancing for visitation and service.
Family and friends will gather on Thursday, January 28 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and funeral service will be on Friday, January 29 beginning at 10:00 a.m., all at Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38119. Those unable to attend may view the funeral service via LiveStream on John's webpage at www.memphisfuneralpoplar.com. A private graveside service will be held at Fisherville Baptist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to Gracepoint Baptist Church, designated for International Missions, 8805 Walnut Grove Rd, Cordova, TN 38018.
