John Milton Bobicz
John Milton Bobicz of Holly Springs, Miss., 91, passed away on August 13, 2025, at the Mississippi State Veteran’s home in Oxford, Miss.
A memorial service will take place on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Collierville, Tenn. (106 Walnut St, Collierville, Tenn. 38017) beginning at 11 a.m. with inurnment immediately following at West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery Forest Hill- Irene Road, Memphis, Tenn. (4000 Forest Hill Irene Rd, Memphis, Tenn. 38125) beginning at 1 p.m.
John was born on October 13. 1933, in Washtenaw County, Mich., to the late John and Blanche Bobicz. Places that were familiar growing up was Talladay and Hitcingham Roads, the towns of Whitaker and Ypsilanti ‘Ypsi’, and St. Joseph Catholic Church where he served as an altar boy.
He welcomed a younger sister seven years later, Mary Lou, and their bond brought joy and laughter to their family.
John attended the local public school, and proudly graduated from Lincoln Consolidated High School in 1951. Following his education, he served in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict, becoming part of the ‘typhoon hunters’ for the 54th Air Weatherman Reconnaissance Group. He had postings in California, Guam for four years, and Japan. Between 1954-1955, he flew into over 11 typhoons, several ranging between four and five categories. After service overseas, John remained in the Air National Guard until 1961.
His journey continued at the University of Illinois from 1956 to 1960. John was a member of the Sigma Delta Chi, a professional journalistic fraternity at the university while working toward his degree. He earned a bachelor’s of science in communications and journalism, and built lifelong friendships while working at a local radio station.
After college, John dedicated his talents to various radio stations in Michigan, and around 1967, he bravely ventured into entrepreneurship by starting his own business in cylinders and valves. Unfortunately, he faced challenges due to the oil crisis and ensuing economic downturn, which led to the closure of his business. In spite of this setback, he found a new and rewarding career with Parker Hannifin Corporation pneumatics division for 25 years as an industrial sales representative and consultant until his retirement in 2001.
Beyond his professional life, John embraced his passion for running and was a proud member of the Memphis Runners. He also served as a Ko-man in the Memphis Race for the Cure with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
His adventurous spirit also led him to graduate in 1963 as a qualified scuba diver for the national association of underwater instructors.
John enjoyed many hobbies. He loved bird watching and gardening. In 2000 he built a home just south of Collierville, Tenn., where he landscaped beautiful gardens and koi ponds in addition to a fully stocked fishing pond. He was a master gardener in Marshall County. Other hobbies included playing golf with friends and family, reading, and immersing himself in audiobooks, staying actively involved with ‘Friends of the Library’ in Holly Springs. His artistic side shone through in his watercolor paintings, bringing beauty into the lives of those around him. Another favorite hobby after retirement was fishing with family, especially his grandchildren, creating lifetime memories.
John will be deeply missed, not only for his talents and achievements but for the warmth and kindness he shared with everyone he met. His legacy of love and compassion will forever live on in our hearts. Rest easy ‘Jack’ you’ve won this race!
He is survived by his loving wife, Gail Evelyn Bobicz of Holly Springs, Miss.; three daughters, Vanessa Herring (Rob) of Memphis, Tenn., Annette Griffith (Mark) of Coalville, Utah, and Lisa Shaw (Greg) of Holly Springs, Miss.; six grandchildren, Christopher Griffith (Megan) of Ogden, Utah, Shawn Griffith (Sara) of Coalville, Utah, Shannon Griffith (Casey) of Goodfield, Ill., Kelsey Clayton (Davis) of Okolona, Miss., Jacob Shaw of Oxford, Miss., and Jonathan Bobicz; six great-grandchildren, Silas Griffith, Oliver Griffith, and Rayden Hallacy of Coalvillde, Utah, Graham and Stella Clayton of Okolona, Miss.; and one sister, Mary Lou Feight (Bill) of Saline, Mich.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Blanche Morrison Bobicz, and his son, Dan Bobicz
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations and memorials in honor of John M. Bobicz, be made to the donor’s choice or St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church (http://www.standrewscollierville.org/donate.html) or St. Jude Research Hospital (https://tinyurl.com/3zhr64wx).
The staff at Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford is honored to serve the family during this challenging season of life. Condolences may be expressed online on his Tribute wall at www.colemanfuneralhomeox.com.
The family would like to say a special thank you to all the staff at the MS Veteran’s hospital, Oxford, Miss., Legacy Hospice Care, and the sweet staff at Christopher’s Manor, Holly Springs, Miss., for their loving care. We appreciate all the calls, text, but mostly covet your prayers.
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