John Benjamin Locke, Sr was born in Belize City, Belize, to parents, Major James
and Adelia Locke, on July 6, 1938. John was one of 10 children and was one of the
first groups to attend and complete his education at Belize Technical College. After
completing school in 1956, John worked for the government in the Forestry Department
as a Draftsman, and he enjoyed several hobbies, like bodybuilding, target shooting, soccer,
and table tennis. In the years following, he joined the British Honduras Rifle Club where
he gained his marksmanship medal. On July 11, 1959, John married his wife of 43 years,
Norma Jean Young. In 1963, John was offered and accepted a position with the United
Nations in New York City. His wife and children joined him in the U.S.A. in 1966.
His work allowed him to pursue three of his most fervent passions: traveling the world,
meeting new people, and improving the lives of those in need. While working for the UN’s
Development Programme in the Regional Bureau for the Arab States, he visited cities
across the Middle East, Europe and North Africa, where he had the opportunity to work
with - and occasionally even play tennis with - foreign leaders and dignitaries. In 1976
he even met the Queen of England. Everywhere he went, John gained new friends and
left lasting impressions.
John was a goalie for the UN Soccer Team but was known more for being a professional
table tennis player– not only playing on the United Nations Table Tennis Team, but
also winning multiple championships and even representing Florida in the Senior
Olympics in 1997. In a career spanning decades, he collected more trophies and medals
than can be counted. John dedicated his time to promoting the sport in Belize, bringing
the United Nations team to play exhibition matches and tournaments, never missing an
opportunity to inspire love for the game. He frequently provided lessons to friends,
neighbors, and anyone interested in learning to play. Throughout their lives,
John and Jean lived generously, opening their doors and arms for friends and family to
visit at any time, always ensuring you felt as comfortable in their home as you did in your
own. After retiring in 1993, John and Jean relocated to Orlando, Florida where they
continued to enlarge their circle of endearing friends and spend precious time with
family–particularly their grandchildren!
In his later years, he was well known and respected by the community that he came
to love in Daytona Beach. He continued his athletic lifestyle, regularly playing table tennis,
tennis and pickleball. John will always be remembered for his aptitude for storytelling, and
joy for playing the harmonica, to which he treated his loved ones with his rendition of
Happy Birthday every year. In his spare time, he enjoyed capturing the wonder of God's
skyline through photography and sharing beautiful calendars he created every year.
John was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Ray, Sylvia, James (Jimmy),
Helen, Betty and his beloved wife, Norma Jean. He is survived by his children
Michael Locke (Michele), Kendis Locke (Sharon), Dana Delawar-Brugman (Bruce) and
John Locke Jr (Tracy); grandchildren Christine, Cassandra, Brandon, Daniel, Kendis II,
Jarrett, Elias, Moriah, Donavon, and Hannah; and a great-granddaughter Camryn.
Siblings, Leonie, Marie, Grace, Gloria, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
The first viewing for John is on Monday, January 3, 2022, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
at Baldwin Fairchild at Chapel Hill, 2420 Harrell Rd, Orlando, FL 32817 on Tuesday,
January 4, 2022, viewing will be held from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at: Westminster By-The-Sea
Presbyterian Church, 3221 South Peninsula Dr., Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118.
The funeral service follows the morning viewing, beginning at 10 a.m. Video streaming of
the funeral will be provided for those who are unable to attend at
https://youtu.be/ne_Wg0QaKOM starting at 9:30am. Burial services will be held at: Chapel Hill Cemetery, 2400 Harrell Rd. Orlando, FL 32817
The family of John Benjamin Locke, Sr. acknowledges with deep appreciation all acts of
kindness extended to them during this bereavement hour. Thank you for all your cards,
flowers, prayers and telephone calls. May God Bless You for your thoughtfulness and
concern.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18