Dr. Thomas John, professor, businessman, church, and Indian-American
community leader died on Saturday, January 20, 2007 at the age of 70.
His death was the result of septicemia, after a recent kidney transplant.
Dr. John was born in Kerala, India on November 9th, 1936. As the son
of educators, Dr. John found his profession in education early,
following in their footsteps. He worked as a teacher in various parts
of India, including Kerala and Nagaland.
In 1963, he came to the United States to pursue higher studies.
Dr. John received his Ph.D. in Education from Ohio State University
in 1968. Subsequently, he taught at the University of the District
of Columbia for over 30 years. He was a part of the College of
Education, also serving as Chairman of the Department during his
tenure. He was a teacher educator, preparing committed graduate
level students to the challenges of teaching young people.
Dr. John was well-respected among his students for his powerful
and dynamic teaching style. He was part of many research programs,
most notably starting an educational think tank, the Creative
Research Associates. Dr. John believed that minority teachers would
lead the way in educating and uplifting minority students.
As a businessman, Dr. John invested in real estate and owned properties
in the United States and overseas. He, like many minorities living in
the United States in the 1960s, faced discrimination in acquiring a
place to live. He used his experiences as an immigrant to create equal
opportunities for all by providing affordable housing to
minorities and the poor.
Dr. John was instrumental in establishing the Indian Orthodox Church
in America. His hard labor and dedication for the growth of the
American Diocese cannot be overlooked. He strived for providing a
better spiritual platform in our Diocese for our coming generation.
As an active member of St. Gregorios Indian Orthodox Church of
Greater Washington, Dr. John was committed for the unity and growth
of the church. He worked tirelessly for many years to secure a
permanent church compound in Silver Spring for its members, showing
his unconditional love for God.s ministry and people. He was
dedicated to the management and functioning of the American Diocese
of the Indian Orthodox Church, serving as Diocesan Trustee for over
a decade. He believed that the church could do more in the larger
American community beyond being a place of worship. In that spirit,
he spearheaded the formation of the Ecumenical Council of Kerala
Christians to share the love of Christ by helping the poor and less
fortunate in the D.C. area. This Council brought together fellow
Indian Christians to celebrate both their common cultural and religious
heritage. He also represented the Indian Orthodox Church in the
National Council of Churches of Christ, a group bringing together all
the ethnic groups among the Orthodox Churches in the world. Dr. John
deeply valued his Christian faith and felt Christians must live to
help others, regardless of their beliefs.
As an Indian-American community leader, Dr. John was at the forefront
in starting political and cultural organizations. He believed that as
U.S. citizens, Indian-Americans must work to build a stronger voice
in the American community. To meet this goal, he chaired the Montgomery
County Ethnic Affairs Committee for two consecutive terms, served on
the Montgomery County Executive.s Asian American Advisory Committee,
and the Community Use of Schools. He also developed and chaired the
Indian American Leadership Council, which helped minorities who faced
discrimination and intolerance. Dr. John helped form the National
Association of Americans of Asian Indian Descent that drew awareness
and commitment from political leaders. He was involved in diplomatic
efforts with the Indian Embassy. He was able to build bridges of
cultural understanding because he cared to listen, explain, and make
the community a better place for everyone. Dr. John began the Kerala
Association of Greater Washington and the Kerala Cultural Society.
Both of these organizations sought to preserve and celebrate Kerala's
cultural traditions for the next generation.
Dr. John was well loved by his family, friends, and community. He
wanted to live a life maximizing his abilities for the benefit of
others. His family was the driving force of his life. He is survived
by his wife Anna John, his daughters Anita, Lallitha, and Indu,
his son-in-law Chacko and grandson Elias.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dr. Thomas John's honor to
the Washington Hospital Center, Transplantation Services, Special
Kidney Fund. Attention: Daria McAllister, 110 Irving Street,
NW, Washington, D.C. 20010.
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