John Harvey Ling

John Harvey Ling, age 76, of Avon Lake, passed away the evening of Thursday, May 20, 2021 after being lovingly surrounded by his family during the day. He was born July 23, 1944 in Toledo, Ohio to Jack and Joanna (nee Cumberworth) Ling and sister "Gigi" (Ginny) Ling. During his childhood, John loved competing at the local YMCA, listening to his mom play hymns and college fight songs on the piano, and adored his boxer dog Bono. John attended Roger's High School in Toledo, Ohio where he played three sports at the varsity level. He also met his wife to be, Judy, at Roger's High. After high school, John attended the United States Naval Academy (USNA Class of 1966) in Annapolis, Maryland, and then proudly served the country he loved so dearly as a Navy pilot. John married Judy, his wife of 54 years, in the beautiful USNA Chapel just one day after his graduation. Following graduation, John went on to complete flight school and served overseas in Atsugi, Japan. He flew the EC-121 Warning Star and was a pilot in the VQ-1 Air Reconnaissance Squadron. Following his service, he earned his MSIA from the Krannert Graduate School of Management at Purdue University. John rose to the position of President and CEO of several successful manufacturing companies. His career took him to many states but ultimately back to his home state of Ohio where he was happy to be able to see his sister more often. He was known to be a man who managed with integrity and kindness, always letting his employees feel cared for and valued. John cherished his family and being near them was his favorite place to be. He was the father lugging around the large video equipment to his kids sports and activities, and later the grandkids' number one fan making it to as many events as possible. He instilled a deep-rooted love of the boxer breed of dogs. After having one himself as a boy, he made sure his growing children had a boxer too. Today, his 4 children have 5 boxers for his 9 grandchildren to love. The yearly family vacation to Lake Kabetogama in Northern Minnesota to boat and fish was so special to John and his family. He developed a love of fishing as a young man and made sure to teach his boys everything he knew. He continued to fish with his boys and his grandkids as long as he could. John's faith was very important to him. He taught Confirmation and was head of the Missions Commission at his family's church. He instilled in his children and grandchildren Christian values by the way he lived his life. John instilled a love of God, country, and family in those he leaves behind. He always knew the right words to say, whether it was an encouraging word letting his family know they are always "Champions" to him, to sharing his latest and greatest "Dad Joke", to simply putting their hearts at ease and reminding them that "This too shall pass", these are the life lessons his family will carry with them and pass on. Memorial contributions in John's memory may be forwarded to Michael J. Fox Foundation (Parkinson's Research), P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014 https://www.michaeljfox.org/donate or The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate. Left to cherish John's memory are his beloved wife of 54 years Judith (nee Gigax); cherished children Laura Ling, John Ling, Cindy (Ryan) McCrum and Dan (Lindsay) Ling; dear grandchildren Ryan, Jack, Derek, Savannah, Grace, Johnny, Caroline, Kensi and Landon; cherished sister Ginny (Wayne) Jones; many adored nieces and nephews; adored boxers Cassius, Rosie Lou, Buster, Tyson and Harvey. John is preceded in death by his beloved parents and dear nephew Brian Jones. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 11:30am at Avon Lake United Church of Christ 32801 Electric Ave., Avon Lake. Reverend Kelly Brill will be officiating. Go Navy! Beat Army! 440-937-6175 www.buschcares.com