Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
1264 N. Great Neck Road
Virginia Beach, Virginia
John Ingram Obituary
John was born in Williamson, West Virginia, to John Akers Ingram, Sr., and Helen Marcum, but the family relocated to Virginia Beach in the early 1950's. John graduated from Princess Anne High School in 1960, Old Dominion College in 1964, and earned a Masters of Education from the University of Virginia in 1970. At Old Dominion, he was a pitcher on baseball teams that won two NCAA East Regional College Division championships, and translated his love of baseball into a long career in coaching at local schools. Starting in 1969, he guided Kempsville Junior High School, Cox High School, and finally Cape Henry Collegiate School, winning championships at each level, and Coach of the Year awards in both the Beach District and the TCIS. John's proudest professional moment was guiding his 1996 Cox Falcons team to the Virginia Group AAA state championship, and earning subsequent Virginia Coach of the Year honors, as well as a nomination for national high school baseball Coach of the Year. Along with his wife of 56 years, Arlene, John enjoyed many adventures, including traveling the world, gardening, drinking "good" beers, spending time with family, and keeping a long list of books on reserve at the public library.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Arlene Palmer Ingram, daughter Allison and her husband Mike Smith, son Jay and his girlfriend Amy Proffitt, granddaughter Mackenzie Smith, sister Murlah Anne Wilson and family, brother-in-law William A. Palmer, Jr., and family, and members of his extended family. The lessons that he taught - success follows hard work, the only real failure is quitting - will continue to serve us all well.
A funeral service will not be held due to pandemic conditions, and a celebration of Mr. Ingram's life will be held at a later date determined by the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that anyone wishing to honor Mr. Ingram's life and legacy do so with a contribution to the named scholarship at Old Dominion University. Checks can be made out to the Old Dominion Athletic Foundation with a memo field of "John A., Jr., and Arlene Ingram Scholarship" and sent to: Old Dominion Athletic Foundation; 4417 Monarch Way, 4th Floor; Norfolk, VA 23529. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Ingram
Sponsored by the family.
Thomas Michael
October 26, 2021
Thanks for being one of many who helped us young folks back in 1974. Respect. - Butch
Bill Palmer
October 30, 2020
John was my brother in law for 56 years. But in addition, he was a good friend, my "go to" authority on all of the finer points of baseball (+almost every other sport) and someone I could always enjoy a cool beverage with. A Master gardener, whenever I had a question on growing something, his meticulously researched responses were both helpful and scholarly. I will miss him.
Suzanne Passarella
October 27, 2020
Sending lots of love, hugs, and prayers for your loving and supportive family with whom I felt such an immediate connection. After reading all the wonderful comments about John, and getting to know you Arlene, I can see why y’all were married for 56 years! I feel so blessed to have gotten to know you all and if you remember, would really like to know when the service is so I can attend. ❤
Jay Bradshaw
October 27, 2020
Sending my thoughts and sincere condolences to the Ingram family. Although it was many decades ago, I still share stories and fond memories of John and KJHS baseball. RIP, Coach Ingram. Go Braves!
Kathy Walker
October 27, 2020
So very sorry for your loss. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kathy Connelly VanNostrand
October 26, 2020
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I am so sorry for your loss.
Kathy Connelly VanNostrand
October 26, 2020
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I am so sorry for your loss. KJHS
Tom Chowns
October 26, 2020
John was a wonderful coach, teacher and mentor to me. My family thought the world of John.
Tom Chowns
Louis Paulson
October 26, 2020
Jeannette and I would like to send our sincere condolences to Arlene and the Ingram family . We have fond memories of working with John to provide Cox baseball with a class field. John’s positive attitude made him a joy to be around and was reflected in his players. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. May his memory be eternal. Lou and Jeannette Paulson
Kathy Wyatt
October 25, 2020
Dear Arlene,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. John was always very nice to me at the Cape Henry faculty functions years ago. I was sad to read about his passing.
Fondly,
Kathy Williams Wyatt
Jerry Crain
October 25, 2020
Coach Ingram had a great influence on my life in work, family, and in my coaching career. His sense of discipline, born from his love of the game and his players, bled over into the way I coached. Everyone on my youth teams was expected to play hard and work hard, just like his teams. My condolences to the whole family.
Steven Earp
October 25, 2020
Coach Ingram who I would affectionately refer to him was a true ambassador to the craft of his profession. His passion in coaching the game of baseball along with his wit and good humor in the relationship with his players will always be vivid in my mind. RIP coach and me deepest sympathy to the Ingram family.
Kelly Sherman
October 23, 2020
Arlene, please accept my condolences. I so loved working with John at Cox and his wry wit! He was a class act and lots of fun too. I am blessed to have crossed his path!
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
Make a Donation
in John Ingram's name
Memorial Events
for John Ingram
Funeral services provided by:
Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home & Crematory - Great Neck Chapel1264 N. Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23454
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John Ingram's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
