John Frederick Bischoff Jr., age 74, died Wednesday, May 5, 2010, at Roanoke-Chowan Hospital as the result of cardiac arrest.
John was born in Summerville, SC to John F. Bischoff Sr. and the former Marguerite Johnstone. He was predeceased by his sister, Elsie Walker, and survived by his brother, Richard of Mt. Pleasant, SC.
John also leaves behind his wife of 36 years, Mary Evelyn; three children, Thurman Knight III of Brainerd, Minn., Barbara Lies of Cofield and Jean Nobles of Chesapeake, Va. John was grandfather to Tim and Jillian Knight, Jennifer Faw and Taylor Anne Terry; step-dad to Tara Lies Forsythe and Shawn Lies; and great-grandfather to Griffin Terry.
After 30 years of active duty service as a communications and security specialist in the United States Coast Guard, John retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 4. He went on to become a merchant marine and radio operator for various shipping companies. He was fortunate to have traveled the world in his careers.
John was a dedicated poll-worker for the Board of Elections, volunteer for Meals on Wheels, and lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. He was a Lutheran and a great American patriot. John was a patient and wonderful man who will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
A memorial service will be held at Aulander Baptist Church on Saturday, May 8, 2010, at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church.
Garrett-Jones Funeral Home is assisting the Bischoff family.
Family and friends may send condolences and sign the online guestbook by visiting www.garrettjonesfh.com.