John Kimbrough Obituary
To know John Kimbrough was to love John Kimbrough. Born in a small town in Northwest Alabama, John spent his younger childhood years in the Tennessee River Valley, where his love for music and Southern food first took hold. A move to Durham, North Carolina in his middle school years eventually led to his passion for golf, his fierce commitment to service, and his development of lifelong friendships.
John graduated from Gardner-Webb University in 1998 with a degree in nursing. Over the course of 25 years, he worked in a variety of different settings before settling into a career in pediatric transport and pediatric cardiac intensive care nursing. In addition to his career, John also volunteered with several organizations and traveled abroad for various missions. Most notable were his cardiac trips with Heart Care International and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Haiti earthquake response team.
John married the love of his life, Gretchen, in 2011 and together they created a beautiful family. He would tell you the births of his children were the two best days of his entire life! While cancer became his fiercest enemy, he did not let it define him. He fought the disease with dignity and grace, all the way to the very end. He would want to be remembered as being a devoted family man, a great father, and a caregiver to children.
John is survived by his wife, Gretchen Wuersch Kimbrough, and their two children, James Buckley (13) and Jackson Townes (11). He is also survived by his parents, Steve and Gwendolyn Kimbrough, and his sister, Stephanie Kimbrough Miller.
Funeral service will be held on October 8, 2024 at the Protestant Community Church in Medford Lakes, 100 Stokes Road, Medford with visitation from 10:00-11:00 am and a service starting at 11:00 am. A reception will follow at the Medford Memorial Community Center.
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Diane Gardella
October 8, 2024
John and I worked together on CHOP's transport team. However, I came to know John when we traveled to Haiti together as part of a CHOP pediatric relief team following the devastating earthquake in 2010. Along with Steve, Maricia, and Wendy, we broke off and spent the majority of our 9 overnight shifts in the adult intensive care unit. The experience was transformative. We were humbled by the spirit of the Haitian people, and the grace in which they faced tragedy, loss, and grief. We all left understanding they had taught us so much more about family centered care then we ever had to teach.
After returning from Haiti, John was transparent about his plan to put mission work aside for a time, and prioritizing his commitment to family. John openly shared his awe, love, and admiration, for Gretchen when both of their boys were born. John made it clear that the most important role he had ever filled was those of husband and father. John could talk endlessly, and with enthusiasm, about his beloved "Daderdays" with his boys. He left no one to doubt that Gretchen, Buck, and Jack, were the loves of his life.
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