John Raymond Grider

John Raymond Grider, Ph.D, known to many as “Jack,” was surrounded by family when he passed away Thursday, September 3, 2026. He had bravely battled a rare neurological disease, Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), for several years. Born on October 12, 1952, he was preceded in death by his parents, John R. Grider, Sr., and Annie P. Grider; and his first wife, Linda S. Grider.

Originally from Chester, PA, he was a graduate of Chichester High School, Class of 1970. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology, cum laude, at the University of Pennsylvania. From there, he attended Hahnemann Medical College and Hospital and was awarded his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Physiology and Biophysics.

In 1981, he joined the faculty of Virginia Commonwealth University of the Medical College of Virginia in the Departments of Physiology and Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology,. Jack became a full professor in 1997 and Interim Chair of the Department in 2021. Jack retired as Professor Emeritus in 2024.

Over his long career, Jack taught medical, dental and nursing students, published over 150 articles in renowned journals; lectured all over the world being known as “RNA Jack”; contributed to research toward diseases affecting digestion, dysautonomia, diabetes, kidney function, and mental health. He earned many awards and grants, along with serving on countless committees ranging from VCU to NASA. He quite literally wrote-the-book on physiology by contributing to textbooks.

Jack was a member of the Masonic Lodge for over 50 years. He earned his Eagle Scout Award and continued to contribute to the world of Scouting throughout his life, supporting local troops and being a dedicated Girl Scout dad.

Affectionately known as “Pop-pop” to his four grandchildren, Jack lived to be present for the moments that mattered most to them. He attended their soccer and ice hockey games, marching band and concert band events, school awards, programs, and more. He logged in hundreds of hours swimming with them and playing “Bolleyball.” He excelled at playing UNO and Fishopoly, loved changing the lyrics to Disney songs, and provided endless desserts–despite insisting that he “didn’t like sweets.”

Jack is survived by his wife of 17 years, Sharon; his daughter Amanda Hensley (Justin); his stepdaughter, Allison Bohn (Danny); his grandchildren Annabelle, Addison, Carson, and Jameson; and his beloved nieces and nephews.

Friends and family are invited to a brief service that will be held at 3:00pm on Thursday, September 10, at Woody Funeral Home, 1020 Huguenot Road, Midlothian, VA 23113. The family will receive friends after the service for a visitation from 3:30pm until 7:00pm.

A graveside ceremony will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery in Aston, PA on Thursday, September 17, at 12:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to Defeat MSA at https://defeatmsa.org/, an organization dedicated to researching solutions for MSA and supporting families living with its effects.