John Sylvester White

NEWPORT NEWS - John Sylvester White, 94, passed away peacefully July 1, 2017. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, John became a professional musician and studied at the Julliard School in New York City. He played with many of the big bands, Dorsey, Artie Shaw and more, traveling across the country. After working several years in the music business and living in New York, he changed his career path and moved his family to Virginia. John entered the new field of television program production starting at WDBJ - the CBS affiliate in Roanoke, Virginia. He advanced his career in video production moving his family to Newport News, Virginia to work in civil service at Fort Eustis. In that position he produced video training films for the Army. A resident of Newport News for over 30 years, John and his wife gardened, traveled and enjoyed their respective hobbies; he continued to be active in music and performed publically into his retirement. John's passing is preceded by his beloved wife Jessie (Janette) Allen White, and he is survived by his daughter Debbie White Kurtz and her husband Robert E. Kurtz. A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 1:00 PM in the Mausoleum at Peninsula Memorial Park. Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home.