George H. John 1925-2024

Born Oct. 11, 1925, George was a native and lifelong resident of Niles.

He attended Niles McKinley High School, and upon graduation in 1943, joined the Army Air Corps, serving two years during World War II. Upon return to civilian life, he worked as a carpenter while attending Kent State University, graduating in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science degree in education and with a master’s degree in education in 1973.

He began his teaching career at Warren G. Harding High School, spending the balance of his 25 years teaching industrial arts in the Fowler / Vienna schools, where he received teacher of the year honors in 1983.

George was very active serving in various volunteer roles within the Niles community, including trustee positions at the Niles Historical Society and United Methodist Church. He was also a charter member of the Niles Beautification Commission. George participated in the founding of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Home in Niles, serving on the board of managers, and spearheaded the acquisition of Tom Murphy Park on Langley Street through his involvement with the city’s Interfaith Youth Committee.

George’s lifelong love of teaching and protecting children led him to other volunteering opportunities, including his participation in the Niles Youth Baseball organization and also, through his determination, the creation of a permanent juvenile officer position in the Niles Police Department.

Throughout his life, George developed a deep knowledge and love of nature, with a particular interest in both tree and bird identification. Numerous images captured through his photography are in the permanent collection at Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology.

George was cherished as father of three, grandfather of nine and great-grandfather of 14.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Audrey, whom he married Aug. 21, 1964; children, Karen Seiple Taylor, Sheri Altobelli (Jerry) and Jim Seiple (Judy); grandchildren, Jason, Bethany, Ryan, Kelsey, Mackenzie, Laura, Darby, Jack and Jordan; and 14 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Holloway Williams Funeral Home in Niles, where friends may also call 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, 2024.

Interment will be in the chapel at Union Cemetery, Niles.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Niles Historical Society. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Holloway Williams Funeral Home. Visit www.hollowaywilliamsfuneralhome.com to view this obituary and send condolences to the John family.

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