Tuesday, February 17, 2026
John was in my platoon at West Point. He was a force of nature ... and as his USMA classmate Becky Blyth would say, "the King of men."
John commanded two batteries and was an officer for only six years, This means he got an early command, aced it, and did well the second time he led a field artillery battery.
Eileen and I visited him in Buffalo after he left a successful career in manufacturing and devoted his life to teaching and coaching. His students no doubt were impressed with his force and his tough but humorous and understanding personality. He told us about the principal suspending a boy for interfering in a fight between two girls. One of the girls had lost her top in the fight and the boy took off his jacket to cover her from humiliation. John said, "You did the right thing. The principal is an idiot." He intervened for the boy.
John visited our farm in NE Ohio and when he got out of his little Honda, our dog fled. He attacked deer and other dogs, but had never seen a human being that large.
I invited a big kid who worked for me to come over, and John impressed him greatly. He helped the young guy come out of his shell.
Another time, two students jumped him. They were suspended and treated for their injuries. (John had to chastise them a little.) When they came back to school and were asked about the "fight," they said, "Man! We were two flies hitting a truck windshield!"
Our prayers for Big John's mighty soul, and for the intentions of his wife and loved ones. May you all have the strength to carry on, and continue to live in a way that would make him proud of you!
Kevin and Eileen Sherlock
