John was born November 2, 1951 in Toledo, WA to Walter and Elizabeth Fox. When he was in Jr. High, his family moved to Lebanon, OR. It was there he met a young girl Nikki (Nixene) Brown who would eventually become his wife and the love of his life. John graduated from Lebanon High School in 1970.

On January 6, 1976, John reconnected with Nikki when she dialed a wrong number and it was John who picked up the phone. They have been together ever since. They moved to Albany in August 1976 when John went to work for National Frozen Foods. He retired in 2013 after 37 years.

John and Nikki were married December 30, 1977 in Vancouver WA. This December, they would have celebrated 40 years of marriage.

In 2005, John took up running and in May 2011, he ran his first marathon in Newport, a few months before his 60th birthday. He went on to complete two more in Portland and on Savve Island. He ran several half marathons and many smaller ones. Running and staying healthy was a huge passion in his life. He joined the YMCA where he took several intense classes. Because of his age, he was a mentor and inspiration to many. He loved his Y family, and they loved him.

John’s love of God was apparent in his life. He led Celebrate Recovery for many years at his church and was involved in Linn/Benton Prison Fellowship. He mentored several men after their release from the Oregon prison system.

John had a great passion for missions and served on several mission committees in his church. He and Nikki were able to go on mission trips to Bosnia and Morocco where they shared the love of Christ with the locals.

John was involved with the Good News Club and could be found each Wednesday afternoon at Periwinkle Elementary. This was a highlight of his week; seeing young children eager to learn more about Jesus.

In October 2016, John was diagnosed with liver cancer, which spread very quickly and ultimately led to his passing in the arms of his Lord and Savior.

John and Nikki were members of Grace Bible Fellowship in Tangent. They could always be found in the middle section, row 4, seats 1 and 2.

John is survived by his wife Nikki of Albany; sons Rob (Lauri) Reynolds of Monroe, Trent Fox of Albany and Matt Fox of California; daughters Teri (Brandon) Thomas of Jefferson and Chante` Fox at home. He leaves behind 12 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and sisters Judy (Chuck) Shirk of Mobile, AL and Sandy Torgimson of Salem.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and nephew Ben Gray.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 1st at 2 pm at Grace Bible Fellowship (33990 McFarland Rd Tangent, OR). An open house will precede the service from 12:00 – 1:45 PM in the Fireside Room. Sandwiches, desserts, coffee and punch will be served.

Memorials donations may be made in John’s name to GBF mission fund, sent to Grace Bible Fellowship church.