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John Najjar Obituary
Nov. 11, 1918 - Jan. 6, 2011
John Najjar, born Nov. 11, 1918 in Omaha, Neb., passed away on Jan. 6.
He is survived by two daughters, Linda of Colorado and Barbara Ramsey of Sarasota, Fla.; two grandchildren, Virginia (Charles) Martin and Jason (Tiffany Hrach) Ramsey; and one great-grandson, Elias Ramsey.
His wife Virginia preceded him in death.
In 1936 John joined Ford Motor Company's Apprentice School in Dearborn, Mich. While working a lathe, he was approached by Henry Ford during a plant tour who asked him if he enjoyed his work. John's response that he'd "rather be drawing cars" led to an invitation for him to add his talents to Ford's newly-created Design Center. John continued working as a designer for Ford for over 40 years. He worked with E. T. Gregorie, George Walker, Elwood Engel, Gene Bordinat and Lee Iacocca. For many years his work in centered on futuristic show cars whose features later appeared in many Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles. John's Advanced Styling Studio developed the 1962 Mustang I concept car - so named because of his love for its namesake, the P-51 Mustang fighter plane. His design talents span decades - from work on the M4A3 Sherman tank and B-24 bomber in the 40s, the 1957-58 Lincoln Continentals, the XM-800, the soybean car, the LevaCar concept, the Gyron, Detroit's People Mover and Renaissance Center.
John and Virginia retired to Sarasota in 1985 where John was able to perfect his talent on the tennis court. They joined The Glenridge Community in 2004. They will both be remembered for the love and generous support they offered to family, friends and community and the beauty of their dancing.
Per John's wishes, no services will be held.
Memorial donations may be sent to Benson Ford Research Center, The Henry Ford, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn, MI 48124-5029. www.thehenryford.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Lynn Derhak
January 21, 2011
Linda and Barbara, you both have my deepest sympathy for the loss of your Dad. I know he will be greatly missed by both of you and by those who knew him.
Tom Maruska
January 14, 2011
Although I never met John I did speak to him on the phone and exchanged several emails with him. I had the honor of restoring the 1954 Mercury XM-800 Dream Car that John designed. It was a thrill for me to work on such a magnificent car and to be able to share the pictures of the entire process with John via email. My deepest sympathy goes out to his daughter and family and friends.
(www.tbirdsquare.com)
January 13, 2011
Barbara & Mark I shall always remember how much your father (and father-in-law, Mark) helped me here at Fairway Woods. He was always so willing, and tireless. Loved to talk about those car models, and never lost his enthusiasm and dedication. A very, very nice gentleman! Helen N. Ploss
Duke Clancy
January 12, 2011
John Najjar was a great man. His contribution to the Ford Mustang will live on forever, even though it is just one small part of his fascinating career. He brought so much to all of the different facets of industry he worked in. I happy to have met him and known him even just a little. His stories were wonderful! Barbara, our thoughts are with you. Duke & Michel Clancy, Sarasota Florida
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January 12, 2011
The Westenders of the Glenridge will miss John Najjar as a great and caring neighbor and friend. Dori and Bill Cahill
January 12, 2011
Barbara,, our hearts are saddened to hear of his passing our prayers are with you
Moe Gingerich
Murphy,N C
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