Virginia Beach ~ John Tugman of Virginia Beach died on June 4, 2020 after being diagnosed with a stealthy, advanced, and aggressive cancer that took his life in only a matter of weeks. It was a shock to all of us to lose him so quickly. He passed away nine days before his 78^th birthday.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Jane; three children, Jackie Parks (Joe), Jennifer Like (Joe), and Jonathan Tugman (Kelly); grandchildren, Becca and Joseph Dale “JD” Like, Jaxson, Avery, and Madison Tugman, and John Joseph “JJ” Parks; brother, Edgar Arthur Tugman; sister, Peggy Landrum; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edgar Arthur and Marguerite; sister, Mary Dent Grieve; and granddaughter, Rylee Harper Tugman.

John was an easygoing, independent, and methodical man with an eccentric sense of humor. John worked a variety of jobs, including grocery store free sample guy and nuts and bolts sorter before working for TWA and ultimately retiring from American Airlines’ call center. He proudly stated that he also served as “Mr. Mom” as he was highly involved with his children’s lives.

He was the happiest after retirement in 2009 when he began cultivating a garden the size of a small farm at the Good Samaritan Episcopal Church. His garden generated years of produce donated to the local food bank and provided countless volunteer opportunities for his church and the community. John leaves behind a legacy of over 100 blueberry bushes dedicated to the memory of church members.

Gardening and grandchildren were two of his greatest joys. A memorial service will be held at a later date at the garden where all his grandchildren will be present wearing his favorite gardening t-shirts. He will be sorely missed.