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John Jeter Obituary
February 27, 1958 - June 13, 2019
Wilmington
John Denny Jeter, son of Martha Mann Denny Jeter and the late Dr. Robert Vernon Jeter, beamed up to heaven, Thursday, June 13, 2019.
John was born on February 27, 1958, in Plymouth, NC, where his dad practiced medicine.
John was preceded in death by his father and his brother, Robert Vernon Jeter, Jr. His sister, Martha Melicent Jeter and his mother, survive him.
At age 9, John showed aptitude for the science of radio and its sounds. He hooked a "walkie talkie" up to a Sears receiving set with an aerial to a tall pine tree.
His teachers complained he was falling asleep in class. He was up all night talking to fellow amateur radio operators in Florida, Georgia, and other distant locations.
John was great at improvising any tools needed to complete his goals. Once when his mother got back from the grocery store, he had disassembled her Magnavox TV and record player into a million pieces on the floor. When admonished, he soon had it back together with two screws left over and it worked better than ever.
Moving to Raleigh, after his father's death, he became active doing lighting for Raleigh's Children's Theater. Going to Needham Broughton High School, he was frequently called out of class to repair electrical problems. John built a radio station in the cafeteria so students could listen to music during lunch. Rewarded for his contributions to Broughton, the Service Club tapped him into its organization.
John entered East Carolina University, earning two degrees, a BA in Theater and a BS in Nursing. John constructed a radio station for ECU and his fraternity honored him with a special float in the Homecoming Parade. ECU later sold that radio station to public radio for 1.5 million dollars, making him one of the largest Alumni donors.
John's greatest dream was to own his own radio station. He came up with Wilmington's only FM Album Rock Radio Station, 99.3, WZRF, Neptune Radio, of Wrightsville Beach and Wilmington.
Special appreciation goes to his constant and loyal friends, Chuck Agresta, Michael S. Blanchard, and Deborah Blanchard.
Memorial gifts to sustain the radio station may be made to:
John Denny Jeter/WZRF
Neptune Radio, Inc.
236 Bagley Avenue
Wilmington, NC, 28409
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, June 22, 2019, at Oakdale Cemetery, 520 North 15th Street, Wilmington, NC, 28401.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com
Andrews Market Chapel Service
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Jeter
Sponsored by Andrews Mortuary and Crematory - Market Street Chapel - Wilmington.
Jim Parker
August 28, 2019
I never knew John Jeter, only knew of him from info I got from his radio station here in Wilmington 99.3 the Zur but i feel a kindred spirit with him through the love of the same music that i know meant as much to him as it does to me and his ability to give that gift to us all that loved it the way he did. As i said, never knew him but i do know the world will be a lesser place without him and people like him. Thanks for the great sounds that come from my radio, hope the best for all your friends and family.
Ellen Schrader Stutts
August 12, 2019
I just learned of John's passing today. He and I worked together at the ECU campus radio station. NOBODY was more knowledgeable about radio technology than he was. He took the campus radio station from a pathetic amateur effort that didn't reach beyond the dorms on the quad to a legit radio station. I will miss him.
July 22, 2019
It was such a joy to meet John. He always turned on a great 'Scottish' accent whenever he and I were on the phone together discussing real estate. John I miss you. Thanks for all the good conversations. Rest in peace my friend- Jason Bell.
Edna England and family
June 22, 2019
We're saddened to learn of John's death. We have fond memories of John and his family as our neighbors in Raleigh. Our thoughts and love are with you.
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Jeter Griffin
June 22, 2019
Will miss the many great life/science/etc.
discussions we had over the years starting
back at Jeter's Hot Dogs on S. College Rd.
in 2000's...I appreciated your support &
friendship & the many things we talked about doing here but just didn't get to do
here maybe pick back up on the other side
there...& I will really miss you friend. Later,
Jeter Cox Griffin, Durham then Wilmington
& now Leland, N.C.
Harriette Bryan
June 21, 2019
Your Florida family sends our love. We remember the small boy and then the kind young man who was thoughtful & patient to aging relatives.
Martha & Melicent may cherished memories of John be a source of comfort and strength. We love you.
Your cousins
Stuart Malone
June 21, 2019
We all are going to miss you John I learned a lot
about patience when you worked here at Best Signs ,I remember we had some very sophisticated electronic signs to repair I asked you to read the thick manual you just started pounding on it and won the day like no other , and I was very impressed how every one loved you
at 21st Century Fox on set for The longest Ride
I will never forget those times thanks for making my life more valuable , with all my love and Condolences Stuart Malone / Best Signs
Thomas Zielinski
June 20, 2019
"My Little Brother"
I am very sad that I have lost my little brother - we developed that life-long bond that is what being a Phi Kappa Tau is all about. It does not make it easier at times like these but I like to think that John just arrived at the party a little sooner than the rest of us and I know he is spinning some great classic rock while he waits for the rest of us to arrive.
Rest in peace little brother - I will miss you deeply.
Anne/Howard Russell/Garriss
June 20, 2019
Martha, you certainly had an inventive and exciting and unique son. We miss seeing you.
Chopper Kovach
June 19, 2019
So sorry brother. We had so many big plans.
You were an awesome friend.
R. I. P.
June 19, 2019
To the family and friends of John who was loved by many May you have peace
S. JENKINS
June 19, 2019
When one possesses a talent, shares it with others, it is well appreciated as is evidence of John's accomplishments and the joy he brought others. Family enjoy your memories of him and trust in the love of God, friends and family to assist you through your grief.
Donald Hufham
June 19, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Robert Tesh
June 17, 2019
Growing up in Plymouth I was a patient of Dr. Jeter's and a classmate of John's. In particular I have very fond memories of working with John on projects in Mrs. Peele's fifth grade class. May God bless you and comfort you.
Tommy Pharo
June 17, 2019
Very sorry to hear of your loss. John and I were pledge brothers at Phi Kappa Tau/ECU back in the day. He was a good friend to this day. I will miss him.
June 17, 2019
My sincere condolences. May our heavenly Father, the God of all comfort, sustain you at this time of such great loss and sorrow - 2Thessalonians 2:16, 17.
Joseph Pace
June 16, 2019
Martha,
Very sorry to learn of the passing your son. Sally and I extend our deepest thoughts and sympathies to you and your family. May your days ahead become brighter again.
With deepest regards,
Joseph and Sally Pace
Pat Inman
June 15, 2019
Oh Jeter. You made Ligon's theater lights work again when we were in eighth grade. And drenched us all in the locker room when you shook your long hair out after the shower. You reinvented yourself more than once a nurse, a radio jock, a conservative, always a hippie at heart and stayed friends with people whose lives went in widely different directions. The earth is tamer, quieter, and more predictable without you. Somewhere in heaven, there is dancingand people complaining the music is too loud. Keep it at 11, John. Miss you.
Gary King
June 15, 2019
My lifelong friend. Lover of music and film. A kind hearted soul who was thought highly of by everyone he met. Creator of "Neptune Radio" .... You are already Sorely Missed! Your passing has left so many Shocked! Know that it was our honor and privilege to have such fond memories of our friendship. I Love You my brother and I know you are "queing the next one up " for your new friends.....And they"re gonna Love the format you choose!.....God Speed, Old Friend!
Kathy Keas Webster
June 15, 2019
The world will be a little less friendly without you in it. I will miss you my sweet friend. Enjoy the music in heaven. Until we meet again. Love and prayers to you and your family.
Jojo marko
June 15, 2019
John you stayed my good friend for all of these years.i am going to miss you.
Anne Russell
June 15, 2019
Martha, Howard Garriss and I are thinking about you today. We miss seeing you.
Anne Russell
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