On Tuesday, September 24, 2024, John Marshall Slade Jr., age 63, a loving father and husband, passed away after a courageous battle with a rare T-PLL Leukemia. John was born on May 11, 1961, to the late Doris Jackson and John Slade Sr., in Williamsburg, VA.
He grew up in York County surrounded by family and friends. After graduating from Tabb High School in 1979, he attended Hampton Institute to study architecture. He later graduated from the Newport News Shipyard Apprentice School. Over the years, he had various positions within the shipyard. In 2023, he retired as a senior designer after forty-one years of diligent work and dedication.
John, affectionately known to many as “Mane,” was influenced by his family, especially his late mother Doris, to be a loving and caring soul. He met his devoted wife Katherine in 1987 on a blind date and married in 1988. Soon after, they had their only daughter, Amanda.
In his free time, John enjoyed tinkering on old cars especially Fords, watching NASCAR racing, and playing with his only grandson Slade. He loved spending time outdoors, going on date nights with his wife, sharing Sunday lunches with friends, and traveling with his family. He loved playing with his border collie Patrick, and had a love for animals. John was a perpetual optimist and never had a bad thing to say about anyone. John has been a major source of support to his wife over the years. John lovingly took on the responsibility of caring for his father and Kathy’s mother and father as they aged and needed more care and assistance. Amanda describes her father as her best friend and an amazing Dad. As we mourn the loss of our loved one, let us also celebrate and rejoice in the love he showed. His spirit remains with us and he will live on through our memories and the stories of him that we share.
John is survived by his wife Katherine; daughter Amanda (Kristofer); grandson Slade; brother Kerry; sister Alesia; aunt Alease; niece Erica; nephews, Damian, Tyrique, Cameron, and Malachi; and many beloved cousins and close friends.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at Cary’s Baptist Church with a viewing beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the church.
