John T. 'Tim' Custis

John Timothy Custis, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on January 12, 2026.

Born on June 18, 1952, to Carl Jr. and Martha Custis in Wilmington, Ohio, Tim graduated from East Clinton High School in 1970 before going on to study at the Ohio State University, graduating in 1975 from the School of Pharmacy. In his last year at OSU he met Brenda, his roommate Vic Bernard's sister, and their connection was immediate. They both loved music and dancing, and their perfect match became marriage and a family a year later.

Their first born son, Kyle, is a family practice physician; their daughter Natalie, a nurse practitioner; and youngest Glenn, a dedicated teacher. Tim was by their side through it all; coaching their basketball and baseball teams, volunteering at school, helping with their many 4-H projects and being a reliable, trusted adviser. After Kyle and his wife, Kathleen, brought grandchildren Jane and Graham into the family, Tim was dedicated to delighting them with stories, gifts, attention and fun.

Tim loved to golf, and was an avid sports fan with a specific dedication to Ohio State athletics and the Cleveland Browns. A mutual passion for travel inspired him and Brenda to spend many of their later years together hiking and sailing their way around the world — from family trips to National Parks to cruises through Europe. They would have been married 50 years in June of this year.

Tim was a wonderful man; quick-witted and funny, abundantly selfless, a caring pharmacist to his patients, and an open-hearted and loyal friend and family member. Everyone one who worked with him through the years, said his humor made their jobs much more enjoyable. He will be missed by all whose lives he touched.

In a final act of generosity, Tim chose to donate tissue to advance ALS research at Ohio State University and beyond. Through this selfless choice, the hope is ALS may one day be curable.

Tim is survived by his wife and best friend Brenda Bernard Custis, son Dr. Kyle Custis (Kathleen), daughter Natalie Custis, son Glenn Custis (Rieta); grandchildren Jane Custis and Graham Custis; Sister-in-Law Connie Bishop (Pat Smith); siblings Linda Allen (Dr. Chris), Becky Williams (Dr. Michael), Jane Pole (Dr. John), Ted Custis (Sue), Judy Gallick (Mike); numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and many wonderful friends.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date for his family. There will be no traditional services.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following to honor his extraordinary life:

The Ohio State University ALS Neurology Fund : go.ohio.edu/givetoALS

ALS United Ohio : 1170 Old Henderson Road, Suite 221, Columbus OH 43220 : alsohio.org

Team Gleason Foundation : P.O. Box 24493, New Orleans LA 70184 : teamgleason.org