John F. Calkins

John F. Calkins, 85, of Johnson City, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2024, following a brief illness. Born on August 21, 1938, the son of the late George F. and Naomi (Finkenbinder) Calkins, John's journey through life was marked by his unwavering kindness, selflessness, and an enduring love for his family and friends.

John was a beloved husband father, brother, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his daughter, Bonnie Calkins; niece, Debra (Eric) McGuane; and nephew, John (Diane) Chase. His presence will be profoundly missed by his family and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his cherished wife, Betty Calkins, in March of this year; sister, Katherine Chase and his son, Thomas Frederick Calkins, all of whom he loved deeply and spoke of with great affection.

A proud graduate of Ithaca City School in 1956, John immediately dedicated himself to serving his country in the army until 1962. His time in the military was a source of great pride for John, and it instilled in him a strong sense of duty and discipline that he carried throughout his life. After his service, John embarked on a successful career as a sales executive in the truck and trailer sales industry. His involvement in the transportation sector was a natural progression from his upbringing on a dairy farm, where he first developed a strong work ethic and an appreciation for the value of hard work.

John's love of ancestry was more than just a hobby; it was a passion that connected him to his roots and allowed him to share his family's rich history with others.

Those who knew John would describe him as loving and kind, a man whose selflessness was evident in every aspect of his life. He lived by the principle that a life well-lived is one that is lived for others, and he embodied this philosophy through his actions every day. Whether he was sharing stories from his past, offering a helping hand, or simply being there for someone in need, John's generosity of spirit knew no bounds.

Family and friends are invited to a period of sharing memories of John on Monday, July 1 from 11:00am-1:00pm followed by Military Honors at MacPherson Funeral Home, 5 Whig Street, Newark Valley, NY. at John will be laid to rest at Glen Hope Cemetery in Jenksville, NY at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to Kali’s Club House 4041 Pennsylvania Ave, Apalachin, NY 13732 https://www.kalisklubhouse.org/donate in memory of John. Memories and condolences can be shared in his online guestbook at www.macphersonfh.com.