John Potts

Age 83 passed away peacefully Sunday, October 13, 2019 into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, while surrounded by his family. John was a humble man, born in Clay City, Kentucky in the eastern part of the state. He graduated from Berea College where he met his loving wife of 60 years, Velda May Sparks. They shared a life of adventure with John graduating with his law degree from Tulane University and later proudly serving his country in the United States Army.  John and Velda were married in New Orleans in November 1958 and enjoyed the early days of their marriage in Texas, but most of all enjoyed settling into Columbus, Ohio as their home for over 50 years. Over the years, John and Velda have made many life-long friends locally and in other parts of the country. Once a friend of John and Velda, always a friend.

While making his home in Columbus, John became the Administrative Magistrate for the Franklin County Juvenile Court where he retired in 1998 after serving more than 28 years. He served his community by helping to find solutions for the youth that came before him in the justice system.

John and Velda believed in their family, their church and their community. John was calm, collected and used his legal training to help others. No one can ever recall John needing to shout, swear or use profanity. Rather, he spoke to others in a patient, caring voice. His family enjoyed his love of Ohio State football and the University of Kentucky basketball. More than anything they enjoyed his zest for living a healthy lifestyle. He was well known for putting on his hat, sunglasses and gloves to protect himself from the sun. He was a role model for his family of living a life of principles, values and integrity. He only knew one way - the right way – the John Potts way.  John enjoyed spending time with his immediate family as well as his extended family. He was a fixture at family reunions including many times helping as a host at Velda’s family farm outside Sandy Hook, Kentucky.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Oris Walter Potts and Thelma Gertrude (“Tude”) Highley and his siblings, Frank, Angie Faye, Bill, Danny, Opal Lavaughn and Stanley.  He is survived by his beloved wife Velda and his sisters, Thelma Henley of Springboro, Ohio, and Rena Toole of Redington Beach, Florida. John was proud of the success of his children and the lives they have chosen. He is survived by his children, Tawnya Darlington (Rick Stover) of Dayton, Ohio; Deidre Kuck (Todd) and Judd Potts (Erin), all of Worthington, Ohio; and his grandchildren, Chelsea Darlington Umphrey (Andrew), David Darlington (Cristen), Gracyn Potts, Tyler Kuck, Delaney Kuck and Slone Potts. John and Velda were also blessed with several great grandchildren, Davin, Sienna, and Elet Darlington. John is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service celebrating the life of John Potts will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at Bethel International United Methodist Church, 1220 Bethel Rd. Columbus, Ohio  43220, with visitation for family and friends beginning at 2 pm followed by the memorial service at 3:30 pm. The family wishes to thank the loving care that John received from the Ohio Living Westminster Thurber Community, Comfort Keepers, Ohio Living Health & Hospice and the Bethel UMC community. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made to the Bethel International United Methodist Church memorial fund (www.mybethel.org).