John N. Entzminger Jr. - Cremation Society of Virginia

John N. Entzminger Jr.

December 17, 1936 - July 10, 2020

John N. Entzminger, Jr., of Virginia Beach, VA left his earthly home on Friday, July 10, 2020, to be with his Heavenly Father. John was born in 1936 in Memphis, TN, raised in Hempstead, NY and Salley, SC. He lived in Clinton, NY from 1960 until 1983, then relocated to Oakton, VA until 2016. In 2016 he relocated to Virginia Beach, VA.

John served in the Air Force as a 2^nd Lieutenant and discharged in 1963 to pursue a civilian career in the defense industry. He held a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of South Carolina (1959) and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Syracuse University (1968). John proudly worked for 55 years specializing primarily in radar and communications. He worked with the U.S. Air Force at Rome Air Development Center from 1960-1983. There he worked on the Pave Mover Radar Program and the Advanced Location Strike System. In 1983-1996 he relocated to Oakton, VA to work with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. He was especially proud of his work on the Global Hawk program a high altitude endurance unmanned aerial vehicle. He then transitioned to the Defense Airborne Reconnaissance Office until 1998 when he retired from the government. John then ran a consulting company until 2015.

John’s legacy was as a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, neighbor and friend. John accepted Christ as his Savior in 1957 and later served as an elder at Calvary Gospel Church in NY for many years. He then served as an elder at Christian Assembly in Vienna, VA now known as New Song Church until 2016. He was a born again Christian who proudly served the Lord Jesus Christ. John’s passion was Christian apologetics and he worked with Reasons to Believe hosting several events in the Northern Virginia area.

John was predeceased by his loving wife, Nancy Burg Entzminger in 2017, his father, John N. Entzminger Sr. in 1988, his mother, Josephine Marshall Entzminger in 2000 and his brother, Leslie Robert Entzminger in 1988.

Surviving are his son: David Entzminger, daughter and son-in-law, Becky and Tom Devlin; sister and brother-in-law Jodi and Jerry Parks, grandchildren: Trevor Devlin, Barbarra Devlin and Collin Devlin; brothers and sisters-in-law: Joanne and Joe Hamlin, Warren Burg, Sandra and Burton Rolewicz, Linda Zielinski, Lucille and Neild Hay, Janet and Tom Hankinson, Ann and Paul Mas and Bryon Burg; many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. All of whom were supremely important to him.

The family would like to give special thanks to his private caregiver, Jasmine Jennings Morris. She cared for him like he was her own blood. We could never have navigated the troubled seas of dementia without her loving touch. Mr. John loved you Jasmine.

Cremation services will be organized by the Cremation Society of Virginia. Online condolences may be expressed to vacremationsociety.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.act.alz.org/donation.

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I am John Entzminger's sister-in-law, Janet Hankinson. I met John at the age of 10 years in 1961 at my two sisters' apartment on Oak Street in Utica, New York. He was a lieutenant in the Air Force at the time. He had been dating my sister, Nancy, so this night was the "meet the folks" night! We all liked him right away and decided that he was going to be a good pick for our sister. I grew up with John in my life. He was the model Christian man that you would wish your kids could be around. He taught me how to drive a car, change a tire, put up a tent for camping. He liked the Adirondacks and we had some fun times camping at Brown Track Pond. He liked Nick's Lake too, probably because of the name!! When I was a teen he would let me borrow his books and we'd discuss books together. He was a relative but he was a friend too. After graduation from high school he helped me get my first job as a summer civilian clerk at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, New York, which was where he worked too. I would live at John and Nancy's house all week and then go home on the weekend. He'd call upstairs, "C'mon, Janet! We're going to be late!" I'd rush downstairs all dressed and hair and makeup done and he'd say, "Let's go! Get your hair done and makeup on!" I'd give him that 'look' and he'd chuckle and nod his head when he was enjoying himself!! John was an elder in our church and for a while led worship service. He loved worshipping God. His whole countenance glowed when he led worship; you couldn't help but worship right along with him and enjoy it too. Nancy would be playing the piano or organ and smiling as she watched him for cues for the song to change. A lot of love passed between the two of them. John was in my life through troubles, problems, disappointments and fun times. I learned a lot from John. He was a southern guy, really. We would visit his family in South Carolina in the summer and I observed and learned about southern manners and being respectful to people. I owe so much to John. He and Nancy helped support us in prayer and finances on the mission field and when we came back to the states and got into pastoring. I'm still paying him back by serving God and serving others. That's who John was, a servant of God, and that's what he taught me. John holds a very special place in my heart. I look forward to laughing and singing and enjoying the presence of the Lord together someday. We'll meet in that place of Everlasting Light. See you there, John! Love, Janet

How great is our God! to know that having done all to stand, yet stand! knowing that the hope, commission, & readiness to meet Him is yet fulfilled. Last visit with John was the Jubilee of CGC (9/24/11) where auld acquaintance cleared the history of bygone days; and we were able to embrace the outcome of CGC yet in transition. Viewing the DVD afforded leadership, honorably focused the presiding vision of this trusted body. Care has subsequently become our mandate as lessons learned among elders have given new opportunity to awaiting followers of Christ. John was a mentor of many - he was a willing steward of grace & gave himself to this appointed task in availing himself to God's anointed. Character cannot be hidden in settings of worship; thus, realizing the need of CGC, John stood in the gap to enable growth & development (unseen) in readiness for days beyond his own. Deep appreciation for John's unique spiritual investment greatly contributed to opening the eyes of many, myself included. Being prevented from communicating gratitude to John is now understood. He openly made himself the instrument of "Great Grace" & will be forever remembered for yielding his will to the will of the Father, amen. Strength & blessing be to John's family & friends - Pastor Dave Schlaegel - 1978-1981

I'm so sorry to hear about you loss. John was always a friendly, understanding person. I have so many memories of all of you at Calvary Gospel Church. You have my deepest condolences.

So very sorry to read about John's passing. I was a secretary at RADC, Rome NY, occasionally worked for John, he was the nicest person I worked for and I know the angels in heaven will just be oh so lucky to have him. So very sorry for your loss.

Uncle Nicky was always fun, interesting, calm, and kind. I always enjoyed any time we got to spend with him and Aunt Nancy! I'm sad that they're not here anymore, but happy to think they're spending time together again in Heaven. May they rest together with God in peace.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

John and Nancy have always been dear to us but , then, because they were lovely and loving to many we are not alone. Their lives were defined by their faith and they were obedient to please their Lord and live their faith out daily. We are so grateful for a prolonged visit with them alone after everyone had left and as we stood in front of the church building where we served together. It was God's gift to us to enjoy that visit of remembrances, expressions of gratitude and departure words of our hope in Christ should we not meet again for a while. The sun was dropping quickly in the west and we saw them turn, walk to their car and wave. That is the last image we have of them and it will be that wave we will look for in the crowd gathered around the throne of Christ.

To Mrs. Becky Devlin and family members of Mr. John N. Entzminger, Jr , Your father and loved one left such a remarkable legacy of love , work ethic and Christian service. You have much to be proud of and a legacy to carry on. Cherish the wonderful memories as time progresses. Love each other, continue to be supportive and laugh often. As your father and loved one would say to you...and the Greatest of these is Love. God Bless you!!!

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.