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John Potter Obituary
Judge Potter was appointed Toledo mayor in 1961 and held onto the position until 1965, when he became the first directly elected Toledo mayor in 30 years. He defeated popular Democrat Ned Skeldon, who was a county commissioner, in the first municipal election since a charter change approved by voters in 1963 ended the process of council electing the mayor.
As mayor, he was instrumental in Toledo downtown redevelopment, including the reactivation of a dormant Vistula Downtown renewal project and initiating the Riverview Downtown renewal project, including Levis Square and Promenade Park.
Judge Potter was appointed a judge on U.S. District Court in Toledo by President Ronald Reagan on June 21, 1982. He served as senior judge from 1992 to 2004. He was formerly a Sixth District Court of Appeals judge from 1969 to 1982.
Visitation will be from 3 p.m to 7 p.m. Oct. 11 in the Foth-Dorfmeyer Funeral Home, 3815 W. Sylvania Ave. Services will be at 11 a.m. Oct. 12, at Epworth United Methodist Church, with visitation at the church beginning at 10 a.m.
Memories and Condolences
for John Potter
16 Entries
Rose Cannon Rankins
September 29, 2023
Judge Potter was the most wonderful judge and person I ever encountered. He was so fair and kind. He hired me as his Court Reporter when he received the appointment to the federal bench. I was so proud to have been chosen. Working with him was a joy. When he went to the Toledo Club if he didn’t take us with him, he’d always bring those lovely little muffins back. Was always full of stories too. We had 22 years together. I think of Judge Potter often. He was the best ❤
Rose Cannon Rankins
September 29, 2022
Hello family. I often think of my Jedge Potter. He was the greatest most patient judge I ever worked for. My favorite memory is his lunches at the Toledo Club He knew I had a sweet tooth and would being the muffins or whatever grace the table in those little baskets of goodies on the table. He was so kind and loved to tell stories, not to mention his sense of humor. We spent many hours in chambers laughing at his jokes. I was the court reporter he brought to Federal Court after choosing me from the applicants from Lucas County Common Pleas Court. What an honor for me. Judge Potter was so brilliant and fair and so respected. He was a great man. The memories I have of him warm my heart. I retired when he retired. What a privilege and blessing to be part of his team. Blessings to you, family.
Rose Cannon Rankins
October 6, 2020
I think of Judge Potter so often. He was one of the greatest judges I ever worked for, kind, compassionate, smart, knowledgeable and funny. It was really ironic how I happened to become his court reporter. I remember when he signed the fair housing bill when as mayor. I had the thought I bet he would be a great person to work for. And here many years later when he was appointed to the federal bench I had the opportunity to apply to be his court reporter and I was blessed to work with him for the next 22 years and we both retired the same year. He was a great judge and a good friend and I really appreciate him every day for having the confidence in me as his court reporter. We had a lot of good laughs. Many good memories. May he rest in heaven.
Joseph Robinson
August 16, 2017
Lord Jesus keep you forever Mr.Perspicacious.
Rose Cannon-Rankins
October 15, 2013
To the family of my Judge Potter. I was so blessed the day I received a call in the Court Reporter's Office in late July of 1982 saying "Judge Potter wants to see you right away in his office." Because of the urging of the late Judge Robert V. Franklin, I applied to be Judge Potter's Court Reporter. I literally ran upstairs to his office. He invited me to sit. I did. He informed me he was hiring me to go with him to Federal Court. I can't tell you how excited, thrilled and honored I was to hear those words and to spend the next 22 years in his company, in the courtroom, lunches, birthdays, Christmas gatherings, meeting family, celebrating whatever, laughing at his jokes both in and out of the courtroom, and on and on. You won't believe this, and I shared this with Judge Potter, but when I read of his stand on the Fair Housing Law of Toledo and it cost him the re-election as mayor, I commented "boy, he would be a great person to work for," never in my wildest imagination realizing that would become a reality.
Judge Potter was the epitome of fairness, integrity, intelligence, a caring person, loving family man. He was a great story-teller. He cared about the people he hired and those who appeared before him in the courtroom. It was more like family in the courthouse. I remember one time I brought my grandchildren who live in CA down to the courthouse and naturally took them up to meet the judge. They were 6 and 4 at the time. They started doing cartwheels in his office!! He commented "they have made themselves right at home, and laughed and talked with them. Well, he was the kind of person that made you feel comfortable. I could write volumes about Judge Potter. He will be truly missed.
My heart goes out to you, Carolyn and John, and all the grandchildren I have met over the years, even his newest great-grandson. I have a feeling he's up in heaven telling his stories and adding much humor in his new eternal life. What wonderful memories of such a celebrated man who is now your guardian angel. I know I will cherish mine forever.
Jan Poll
October 9, 2013
Carolyn, My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Your are in my thoughts and prayers.
Nancy Bischoff
October 8, 2013
Judge Potter and his dearest wife, Phyllis, will always be remembered by me and my daughter, Diane, as wonderful, caring people. All of his family is as wonderful. I am so very grateful to just have known Judge Potter, Phyllis, his wife, and Kathy, their child, and those of his remaining family I have lost contact with and those of his family with whom I am still in contact. With deepest sympathy to all of his dear family. He will be sorely missed!
Christine Holliday
October 8, 2013
Hello family of Judge Potter. I interviewed the Judge for a series I was writing about veterans for the West Toledo Herald. He was so gracious in inviting me into his home, and we had a great visit. He told me wonderful stories about his military experience, and showed me a book he was writing. I thoroughly enjoyed talking to him and writing about him, and thought of him as a new friend after that visit. I offer my condolences to all of you.
October 7, 2013
An exquisite intellect and wit. A joy to have had the opportunity to know him. "And cut him into little stars and he will make the face of heaven so fine that all the world will be in love with night". Peg and Ron Wade
Vanessa
October 6, 2013
With deepest sympathy to the family during your time of sorrow. God is for us a refuge and strength. (Psalms 91:2) May you find the needed strength from God, family and friends.
Marianne Scheer
October 5, 2013
Great person, good neighbor, cherished family friend. I have many fond childhood memories of Judge Potter and visits to the Potter home. My heart is sad.
Doug Brown
October 5, 2013
Judge Potter will always have a special place in my life and heart as he was one of my dad's best friends. I loved his terrific sense of humor. He was a stern one on the bench when he had to be. His honest laugh was second to none. I'm sure that my dad has welcomed Judge Potter home with open arms. R I P, Your Honor, it is well deserved.
P McGraw
October 5, 2013
One ultimate test of a politician's character is whether there is anything for which he or she would be willing to risk being voted out of office.
As Mayor of Toledo in 1967, John W. Potter courageously supported an unpopular fair housing ordinance that was overwhelmingly rejected in a voter referendum, simultaneously costing him reelection. Though he went on to serve many years with distinction (and a delightful sense of humor) as a state and federal jurist, that 1967 defeat may have been his finest hour. I've admired him ever since.
Patrick McGraw
October 5, 2013
One ultimate test of a politician's character is whether there is anything for which he or she would be willing to risk being voted out of office.
As Mayor of Toledo in 1967, John W. Potter courageously supported an unpopular fair housing ordinance that was overwhelmingly rejected in a voter referendum, simultaneously costing him reelection. Though he went on to serve many years with distinction (and a delightful sense of humor) as a state and federal jurist, that 1967 defeat may have been his finest hour. I've admired him ever since.
Ed Weber
October 5, 2013
John Potter was the gold standard for Northwestern Ohio's judiciary. And he was unsurpassed in humorous discourse, always ready with a good joke. John and I had one thing in common, which he - not I- all too often mentioned: in 1982 I was at his side to assist in introducing him to the Senate Judiciary Committee chaired by Sen. Strom Thurmond which then began his fitness exam for the post to which President Reagan wisely appointed him. Toledo and the vicinity was fortunate to have had him as a judge, mayor, friend and exemplary citizen. Unfortunately being out of town will prevent me from attending the visitation or ceremony. My condolences to the family. - - Ed Weber, Congressman 1981-82.
Marvin Scheer
October 5, 2013
A good neighbor and a nice guy. He called me to talk when my mom died even though I had not seen him in thirty to forty years.
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