John D. Root, Jr., age 80, of Pinehurst, NC, passed away on Wednesday, September 6, 2023. John was born in Leslie, MI and graduated from Jackson High School (Jackson, MI) and Western Michigan State University.
John is survived by his wife, Bonnie Root, of Pinehurst, NC; children, John Root III of Asheville, NC, Jennifer Travers, (Bill) of Richmond, VA; sister, Janet Waldron (Ron) of Chelsea, MI; grandchildren Tillie Root, Ella Root, Callen Travers and Gavin Travers.
John had an inventor’s soul and a tinker’s spirit. He taught industrial arts and coached football before starting his career with General Motors and Chevrolet. He enjoyed woodworking and cherished spending time with family, becoming a Boy Scout Master and soccer coach. He was passionate about Duke basketball, Tottenham football, and solving the problems of the Pinehurst traffic circle.
His perpetual curiosity started many adventures, fueling his never ending quest for learning. John’s drive to learn more about the history of Pinehurst landed him at Tufts Archives where he volunteered.
His fun loving, kind, generous spirit, and stories will be greatly missed by all.
Celebration of life will be held Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Boles Funeral Home, Southern Pines. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Tufts Archives, PBS, or Toys for Tots.
Online condolences may be left at: www.bolesfuneralhome.com
Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home, Pinehurst.
