John Noble Wilford

John Noble Wilford was born in Murray, Ky., to John Noble and Pauline (Hendricks) Wilford from Camden, Tenn. His father was a Methodist Minister in Ky. and Tenn. As a boy he was always interested in journalism, even writing his own newspaper at seven years old.

John was educated in Tenn. He later went on to attend Lambuth College in Jackson, Tenn., Univ. of Tenn. in Knoxville, and Syracuse Univ in N.Y. After college he worked for The Wall Street Journal before going into the Armed Forces for two years.

After, he returned to the Journal, writing many medical articles until attending Columbia on a Ford Fellowship. Continuing his journalistic journey he joined the N.Y. Times. There, he enhanced their Science section, even creating a newly expanded science section. While at N.Y. Times he became enamored with space exploration, becoming editor in 1978.

As editor of the science edition John came in direct contact with the NASA program, forming lasting relationships with the astronauts, especially John Glenn. He went on a simulated space shuttle in 1982. Because of his experiences with Science and NASA reporting he was able to write several successful science and space related books.

John's knowledge and leadership was so profound that he was quoted by Barack Obama, our 44th and 45th President. Barack quoted John in an article, "America Will Take The Giant Leap To Mars," saying, "Mars tugs at our imaginations with a force mightier than gravity," which is a direct quote from John Noble Wilford. After 50 yrs with the N.Y. Times in 2015, he saw his last front-page article published which was the obituary for John Glenn who was the first American to orbit earth.

John was married to Nancy Wilford in 1966 until her death in 2015. He adopted her daughter Nona who sadly passed away in 2019. He later married his current wife, Janet St. Amant, with whom he shared his wonderful life with until his death.

John moved to Charlottesville, Va. to be closer to his sister. He enjoyed reading his NY Times, being outside for walks, and spending time with his lovely wife Jan. His books are still used in some schools and universities today. You can his many books in the Colonnades Library.