George Harrison John, 98, passed peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday Oct. 1, 2024.

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

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 in 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 in the Fowler/ Vienna School System teaching industrial arts 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 with the Niles Historical Society and United Methodist Church and was a charter member of the Niles Beautification Commission. George participated in the founding of the 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 city’s Interfaith Youth Committee.
 

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

During 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 placed within the permanent collection at the 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 on August 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 at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at the Holloway-Williams Funeral Home in Niles, Ohio. Friends may also call from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, at the funeral home.

Interment will be at the chapel at the Union Cemetery, Niles, Ohio. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions to 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.