John Whitten Jr.

John L. Whitten II (aka Cokey) was born on January 29, 1953 to John L. Whitten Sr. and Rosemary (Elder) Whitten in Tachikawa, Japan at Far East Air Materiel Command Air Force Base.John traveled abroad and attended school as a family member of the United States Army for several years. In 1965 the Whitten family settled in Columbus, Ohio. John had a bigger than life personality. He was punctual and super supportive of family member events to show up looking dapper from head to toe. He enjoyed good music, dancing and spending time with family and friends. All who knew and loved him could see how much he loved his family, The Ohio State Buckeyes, and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity... And let’s not forget his pride and joy, the J.Whitt signature Cadillac.

John attended South High School and graduated in 1971. He went on to attend MATA College for Industrial Design and Engineering and earned an Associates Degree. He furthered his education with courses and certifications at The Ohio State University, Columbus Drafting College, Harper College, Truman College, and George Washington University.

John was a dedicated and active member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. which he crossed on April 15, 1975. He was a faithful member of Hosack Street Baptist Church where is served in the Sound and Technology ministry. John’s civic duties included Driving Park Civic Association where he served as President in 2014 and Area Commissioner in 2006. He also served The Governor of Illinois Commission, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Chicago, Who’s Who of Information Technology, UNCF Scholarship Committee, National Women of Achievement Mentor. John began his career in industrial design and engineering at AT&T; and advanced to information technology at IBM Global Services and more recently Nationwide Children’s Hospital. He retired from Nationwide Children’s Hospital in January 2019. He also worked part time for the Board of Elections.

He was preceded in death by his parents Sgt. John L. Whitten, Sr. and Rosemary Whitten; and his beloved sister Norma Whitten-Christoff. He leaves to cherish his memories, his children: Ramon Whitten of Columbus, Ohio; Jessica Whitten-Preciado (Javier), Senegal, West Africa and April Scott (Lee), Dallas, Texas; three grandchildren: Kia and Kalia Whitten; and Elias Preciado; brothers: Michael (Vicki) Whitten and Anthony Whitten; and sister, Cheryl Whitten. Dedicated friend for over 50 years Joe Copeland. Special friends and a host of nieces and nephews.

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