John Thomas Whitehead

John Thomas Whitehead, age 79, of Johnson City, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at the Abundant Christian Living Community after a brief illness.

John was born into the loving home of John and Adele Whitehead in Buffalo, New York on a hot summer day on July 29, 1946. He was one of the original baby boomers and born the same summer as 3 US Presidents. A few years later his younger brother, Michael, would join John and his parents in their Buffalo home. In 1960, John's favorite football team, the Buffalo Bills, debuted. John and his family have been fans ever since.

Dr. John Whitehead earned his PhD in Criminal Justice from the State University of New York at Albany and his M.A. in Sociology from the University of Notre Dame.

During his 29 years at East Tennessee State University, he was a highly acclaimed scholar. He authored and coauthored six textbooks, including a leading textbook, "Juvenile Justice." In recognition of his accomplishments, he was awarded Educator of the Year by the Southern Criminal Justice Association as well as Distinguished Faculty in Teaching at East Tennessee State University.

John also served as Chair of the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology on two occasions. Upon his retirement, he was awarded Emeritus status at ETSU. John was a beloved colleague and teacher, mentoring countless students throughout his tenure.

John enjoyed spending time and traveling with his wife, Patricia, and their two boys, Dan and Tim. They especially enjoyed their trips to Western New York to see his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Raymond and Frances Connell, and family vacations to places including Disney World, historical museums, and several Major League Baseball stadiums.

John also enjoyed golf and going to lunch with his friends at their favorite Johnson City restaurants. He also frequently volunteered to serve as a youth sports coach and loved grilling steaks and hot dogs with his boys at home.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law Raymond Connell and mother-in-law Frances Connell.

Those remaining to cherish John's memory include: his loving wife of over 46 years, Patricia; son Dan and daughter-in-law Mandy of Alexandria, Virginia; son Tim of Johnson City, Tennessee; brother Michael of Buffalo, New York; and many friends.

John was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Johnson City and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Visitation for John will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Saturday, February 14, 2026, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Johnson City. A funeral mass will follow at 11:00am, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, followed by graveside services at Monte Vista Memorial Park.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com.

Morris-Baker Funeral Home, 2001 E Oakland Ave, Johnson City, is honored to serve the Whitehead family. (423) 282-1521

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.