John joined Durham County Constabulary on 27th December 1967 and served his 2-year probationary period at Durham City. His next posting was to Sherburn Section, where he remained for 18 years before taking up the role of Coroner’s Officer, taking him up to his retirement on 26th December 1997, after 30-years’ service.
Whilst at Sherburn Section, John bought the police house in which he lived, together with the adjacent Section Office when it closed in 1977. He lived in this house for 51 years.
Whilst at Sherburn Section, John and his friend and fellow officer Jeff Marshall tendered their allotment at the rear of the Section Office, growing leeks and flowers, which were shown around the county, winning many prizes along the way.
John was predeceased by his wife Ann in 2017 and is survived by daughters Deborah and Victoria, son Grahame and grandchildren Andrew, Philip, Kathryn and Sophie.
A funeral service is to be held at 12 noon Wednesday 9th October 2024 at St Joseph’s RC Church, Gilesgate, Durham DH1 2JG, followed by a private committal service at Durham Crematorium
Family flowers only, donations in lieu to be shared between the RNLI (Cullercoats) and the Police Treatment Centres.
After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at Sherburn Village Workingmen’s Club, Front Street, Sherburn DH6 1HB
Our thoughts are with John’s family and friends at this sad time.