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John Niven Obituary
John Ballantine Niven lived for weekends with his family in the country. An insurance executive at Aon, he shared an Upper East Side apartment with his wife, Ellen, and their 18-month-old son, Jack. But when the work ended, the Nivens always escaped to a gray-shingled house in Oyster Bay, N.Y.
Mr. Niven, 44, had grown up there and still played tennis with childhood friends. He carried his son everywhere, taking him along to wash the car or go for a dip in the pool. He would even hunker down with his son's toy cars. In quieter moments, he liked to read about history and philosophy.
"He would say that although his life was short, he was really blessed in the years he had," Ellen said. Just a few weeks ago, the Nivens vacationed in the British Virgin Islands. Mr. Niven never got a chance to see the photos from that trip.
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Zamira Gilman
March 26, 2025
John was a bright soul, and will be remembered as such. I give my condolences and best wishes to the Niven family during these hard years of heavy loss. You are not alone in the suffering you have experienced. We can all continue to do better, and live our lives to the fullest as John had and would want us to do. What happened on 9/11 will forever be a moment in American history that will be highlighted by the many families that lost loved ones, as it is a teaching lesson that will continue to educate us all on the risks of life and the unexpected. Though John may be gone from our sight, his love still speaks through to this day. - Zamira G.
Jamie De Gale
January 20, 2024
My condolences to the family
Ross Greenberg
January 18, 2024
Dear Niven Family:
I'm Ross Greenberg and I am a Long Islander and 9-11 Survivor, by the Grace of G*d. I am three years younger than John and overslept that day. I want to offer my profound condolences on your loss; John looked like a wonderful human being. I know that your son carries in him all the best John embodied. Like all New Yorkers, I lost people that day. Tiny fragments were recovered that identified them. May this discovery empower your ability to honor him, to sadly, grieve anew and hopefully bring the tiniest measure of closure to your souls. G*d Bless All of you. Ross
Laura Rusch
September 11, 2019
Remembering....and especially thinking of John's sister Wendy, brother-in-law Scott, and niece Jamie Cross.
With our prayers for Niven family, Laura and David Rusch
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S J. Friscia III
July 10, 2015
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
Stephen Green
February 5, 2015
Almost 14 years on, and John's profound impact on the lives he touched while here remains a permanent mark of grace and class. I was discussing with a much younger colleague today the awful events of 9-11, and told this young man about John Niven, a friend of decency, intelligence, and humor. A wonderful life cut way too short. I have no doubt that young Jack knows full well how brilliant and cool his dad was. And he could also play some tennis...!
Jan Nordh
September 11, 2014
Remember.
Jan Nordh
April 16, 2014
Yesterday I found out that John and I had a family relations via his mother Jeanne´s grandmother, Augusta that came from Falkenberg, Halland , Sweden. Sorry we never got to see. John, RIP.
Jan Nordh, Sweden
September 17, 2013
Love you Johnny, xxoo Susie
Roderick Thaler
September 11, 2012
John and Ellen were neighbors who lived up the street from us in Oyster Bay. He was always so nice in bringing our black lab back home when he strayed, and I could see that he was a really good person who I wish I had gotten to know I have since learned from many mutual friends just how well John was liked by his contemporaries and really by people of all ages.
John may you rest in peace, knowing that you will not be forgotten.
Roderick Thaler-Oyster Bay , New York
Niven Rennie
August 14, 2012
I am a distant Scottish relative of John Niven. I saw his name on the memorial when I visited in 2008 and last week I asked a friend to visit and say a prayer on our behalf. I wish I had known him personally but the fact that I have a connection with the awful incident makes it all the more important. Rest in peace
Jane Smith
September 11, 2011
I have worked for Aon in Denver, CO for 23 years and worked with John through New York on a large account! We spoke and e-mailed each other 2 days before Sept 11. I made a promise that I would never forget his name and have kept his e-mail from that day! He will always be in my thoughts along with his wife and children. He was a great man and colleague!!
miss you
Jamie Cross
September 11, 2011
jim lansbury
September 11, 2011
Thinking about you man!
Sarum ' 74
Jill Church
September 11, 2011
John was one of our AON team members at dj Orthopedics in San Diego. He was a pleasure to work with, as were the rest of his team. We spoke to another AON team member that worked with us in the days after 9/11. As soon as he saw an explosion in the North Tower, he evacuated and barely made it out. His story of making it out of the building was terrifying. But he told us that John stayed behind to make sure that everyone was out of the office safely. I'm sure that by John staying behind, he helped save other lives. I also lost my husband five years ago, so I understand how it feels. My heart and prayers goes out to John's family.
Art Hansen
August 30, 2011
John was our contact for our Benefits policy for Edwards Fine Foods. I go to know John as a warm new father who was very proud of his new baby. John, you are missed
Janet
September 11, 2010
Just thinking of those we lost.
Doug Abraham
July 5, 2009
Happy Birthday!!!
Brenda Hathaway
September 17, 2008
Hi, my name is Brenda. I just wanted to share a little story with you. My daughter at the time was in 4th grade, when 9/11 had happened. We were very saddened. My daughter had brought home from her CCD class a piece of paper with a name on it. We had to pray for this one person and his family. To this day the paper is still on our refrigerator, and we still pray everyday. The name on the paper was John Ballantine Niven, 44 of Aon Corp. It took a while to finally put a face to this name. We always wondered if he was married and had children. Thanks to this website, now we know. Your still in our thoughts and prayers. His name and now that we have a picture will stay on our refrigerator forever.
Nancy Knox Talcott
September 11, 2008
John was a lovely man, a good friend, and a kind person. His death, with so many other good people on that beautiful, horrible day, was a tragedy and I will him.
Doug Abraham
July 5, 2008
Happy Birthday!!!
Doug Abraham
July 5, 2007
Happy Birthday!!!
P Tabbernor
January 17, 2007
In memory....
Kristine
November 17, 2006
As I stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Anne Blodget
August 17, 2006
I had occasion to review old emails and thought of John. To know him at J&H and Aon was a privelege. I often think of Jack and hope he knows what a special man his dad was. The world lost a role model with the loss of John.
Gerry Evans
September 11, 2003
I worked with John in Account Management at J&H. John was a special person. On 9/11's first anniversary I heard a "John Niven's" name read aloud but I thought it must be another John Niven. I had lost touch with most of my J&H coworkers and didn't know John was working at AON. I found out a few months ago that it was the John Niven I knew and enjoyed working with at J&H. John was one of the special people you meet in life. I feel terrible about his loss. My heart goes out to his wife and son. I know all of our former fellow J&H account management staff as well as John's family and friends must be heart broken over John's loss. I guess one never fully understands how much someone means to you in life until they're gone and you can never see or speak to them again. John is one of those people you wish you had kept in touch with through the years. Goodbye John
Andrew Brengle
September 11, 2003
I remember John as a tall kid with a good sense of humor from our days riding bus 103 at Eastwoods School. When I saw his picture with his memorial, it struck me how little he had changed since 1970!!!. He obviously kept his youth. I am sorry we have lost him, and my thoughts go out to his wife and son. God bless.
John Sames
September 5, 2002
John: A year has passed since god took you to be with him. I know your wife, Jack and family miss you every moment. As part of your Aon family, I too find you in my thoughts often. I miss our intellectual discussion, our strategizing, our heated at times yet professional disagreements. But most of all John I miss your compassion. The times we spent talking about Jack and my children. The glow in your face when you said his name. I will always remember you that way and am proud to call you my friend. May God keep bless and keep your family until in the fullness of time they stand with you in his kingdom.
John Sames
Anne DuBosque
March 16, 2002
All my regards and best wishes for the Nivens-Mrs. Niven, Billy, Susie and Wendy, Ellen and little Jack. I think of Johnny often.
March 15, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL MAN...JOHN BALLANTINE NIVEN AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS WIFE AND SON...FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..STAY CLOSE AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK...MAY JESUS AND ST.JOHN GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Jamie Cross
March 11, 2002
John was my favorite uncle he always
used to bite my toes. I know he was
a wonderful father to Jack because
Jack is a wonderful baby. Altough
Jack will never really know his father he will always have his loving and nurturing family.I live in Los Angeles but every Christmas and Summer my whole family visits
New York it is very sad to see an
empty chair at the Christmas Dinner
table. I know he is with the angles
Gods Blessings to everyone who lost
loved ones. My prayers are with you.
Jamie Cross and Wendy
Niven Cross
wendy woods-cormier
February 28, 2002
I never met John but shared an apartment with Ellen. My heart sank when I read in the alumnae news what happened.
Knowing Ellen I'm certain John was a really wonderful husband and father.
Annette Osnos
February 6, 2002
It really broke my heart to hear that John was one of the people who was missing on September 11th. I know how much it meant to him to be married happily and have his son. I also know that he loved life.
One of my favorite photos from my friend Christie's wedding is a shot of John and me laughing on the dance floor. We shared the god-parent duties of Christie's daughter and I know that huge gaping hole can never be filled.
My heart goes out to Ellen and Jack. John made many people very happy in his lifetime and I feel very sad that he is no longer with us.
My thoughts are with John's wife, son and other family.
Donna Hall
January 29, 2002
I knew John many years ago when we both worked at J&H. I remember him as a gentleman, kind, sweet and with a good sense of humor. I too lost my husband, Rick, also an AON employee, in the attack. My heart goes out to John's family. I know what you're going through. If there is anything I can do to help -please let me know.
Donna
Josephine Restivo
January 29, 2002
I briefly dealt with John from time to time when we both worked at J&H. I remember him as a very pleasant, polite person. It was an unpleasant surprise to see his name and picture among the victims.
Judy Close
January 15, 2002
I first saw that John Niven was missing from WTC attacks a few nights after 9/11 on TV. His photo was shown, so I knew it was the same John Niven I remembered from Johnson & Higgins years ago. My memories of him are of a very pleasant, friendly gentleman -- a type that's becoming somewhat rare these days. I had his photo printed out from the Internet back in late September, and posted it in my cubicle at work, just as a way for me to keep praying for his family that either he'd be found (in a hospital somewhere) or later,
that he rest in peace. I knew so many people from my insurance industry work life downtown NY who didn't survive on Sept. 11 - from J&H, from Marsh & McLennan and now, from Aon. I'll always carry all these kind, wonderful people I knew
from my insurance days in my heart and remember them in my prayers.
Judy Close, Woodhaven, NY
Bill Young
January 15, 2002
I recently read of John's death in the Salisbury School Alumnae Magazine and was very saddened to hear the news. Although I haven't seen John for many years, both my wife(Adele Eissler) and I grew up in Oyster Bay and knew him and his family well. We wish them the best in this terrible time of sorrow and our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
anne cameron
December 27, 2001
I just read that John was killed on September 11 from the Lake Forest College SPECTRUM. We were classmates there and my deepest sympathy and prayers are with you. Anne
Teresa Jahn
December 17, 2001
May John's life and love live on through Jack and his wife Ellen. We are deeply sorry for your loss of John. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Tim Woodhull
November 6, 2001
I went to school with John and started as Trainees at J&H NY with him in 1980. John had a really strong sense of ethics and fairness. A great sense of what was right and what was wrong. He was the consummate gentleman and an unusual breed in this age to possess these qualities when they have become so rare. He was respected and admired by all who met him and knew him.I will really miss him.
My thoughts and prayers are with his wonderful wife and son.
Chad Wright
November 2, 2001
I was in LA on September the 11th, when my wife called and asked me to turn on the television. My thoughts immediately turned to John and all of the wonderful people I have had the privilege of working with over the past three and a half years.
As a client of John's I had many a crisis situation that were carefully considered and professionally handled by John and his resourceful coworkers. I know that John was a calming influence for many, as he has been for me in recent years.
I will miss John's visits to Atlanta and our friendly conversations about things we had in common like tennis and a love for history.
God bless John! My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Niven family.
Alayne Smith
November 2, 2001
I had the pleasure of working with John for over three years; Aon was my organization's broker.
On 9/11 we gathered in the conference room to watch what we thought was an accident at the WTC develop into the horror it became. Immediately I thought of John and the other members of our 'team.'
We all knew how much family meant to John; although he was the consumate professional, we managed to get him to show us Jack's pictures and tell us about him!!!! I grew up in Cold Spring Harbor and thoroughly enjoyed the Oyster Bay home stories!!!
He will be missed .... I have managed some peace in knowing that truly he is with the Angels. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Kimberley Hess
October 29, 2001
My thoughts and prayers to all~! Aon-Peoria, IL
Kin Gee
October 29, 2001
We go back to ca. 1983 as associate brokers at J&H. I was delighted in seeing his success during the past 10 years, both professionally and in his personal life as one of the most eligible ex-bachelors in the industry. May he rest in peace.
Debbie Wilson
October 25, 2001
With heartfelt sympathy. I will never forget this sad and tragic loss.
Sharon Hayward
October 22, 2001
Working with John on clients we shared was a blessing to me in an industry filled with frustration and turmoil. His dry sense of humor and willingness to help made the job a lot easier, even when it wasn't easy.
I just prayed and cried for his wife and son on that sad day, and I am unable to comprehend the loss. I will keep his family in my prayers and hope that they know that the circle of his influence was wide. We thought the best of him. I thank God that He shared John with so many.
Terry Gutierrez
October 18, 2001
I remember watching the news on September 12th. and a family member or friend was asking if anyone had seen or new of John. This has stayed engraved in my mind. It was mentioned that he was an Aon employee and that automatically, even though I never met him, created a feeling of closeness. I have prayed and will continue to pray for him. May he enjoy his eternal glory.
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