John W. Woodward

"The final curtain" went down peacefully for John Woodward with family by his side at Park West Hospital in Knoxville, TN on July 5th at the age of 75. He was a beloved family man, survived by his wife, Susan (Adams) of 47 years, two sons, Terry and Ben, and their wives, Catharine, and Gail. They have six grandchildren, Katelyn, Zach, Samantha, Rebecca, Ayla, and James as well as two great grandchildren, Jaxon, and Charlee Mae. In addition, he had a large extended family on his mother's side, known as "the Wilson Clan," that stemmed from his mother's 12 siblings.
John and Susan built a life together that led them from Newton, PA to Apple Valley, MN, back east to West Chester, PA and finally to their dream retirement lake home in Loudon, TN, part of the Tellico Village community. John took countless photos of the sun rising and setting from his deck of this tranquil east Tennessee paradise, that were shared with local publications and even news broadcasts.
John grew up in Havertown, PA and excelled as a student, an athlete, and a musician. He played baseball and football in high school and was the lead singer of rock n' roll band called the Stains. His love for music would continue throughout his life, as he was a frequent concert goer to a wide spectrum of genres ranging from the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra to the Grateful Dead. He would often create tapes and later compact discs for his friends and family who took interest in the deep variety of music that he explored.
After high school, John attended Susquehanna University, before building a 30 plus year career as an executive in property & casualty insurance with the Insurance Company of North America, which would eventually become Chubb. John met Susan at INA, along with many cherished lifelong friends. He was an avid golfer and would get together with his insurance friends multiple times a year to rekindle old times. The game was a passion that he would inspire in his son, Ben as the two would spend countless hours playing, watching, and talking golf.
John had many interests and loved people. He made deep connections rather than acquaintances. Those around him were often amazed at the level of knowledge he was able to gather on so many topics including American military history, music, photography, sports, wine, and geography. He was a tremendous presence to so many. He had a great sense of humor and was a trusted confidant all while setting an example as a true gentleman, who always did the right thing.
There will be a celebration of John's life in the Philadelphia area this fall for friends and family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Tellico Village Volunteer Fire Department. The group was incredibly supportive of John during his illness. Support Us | Tellico Village Fire (tellicofd.org)