John Kenton Pike

John Kenton Pike, May 9, 1960, to October 12, 2024. Son, brother, father, husband, uncle, brother-in-law, son-in-law, Eagle Scout, attorney, chemist, friend, mentor, outdoorsman, man of honor, man of God. All that he did in life embodied the values listed in the Scout Motto, Oath and Law, especially “Be Prepared” and “Do Your Best”.

He was born in Santa Ana, California to Ray and Bette Pike. He lived the life of a military child, moving wherever the Marine Corps sent the family, attending schools in California, Texas, Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina. He graduated from Jacksonville Senior High School in Jacksonville, North Carolina, in 1978 and attended East Carolina University for two years before moving to Texas. John earned a B.A. in Political Science from Corpus Christi State University, a B.S. in Chemistry from Texas A&I University, a M.S. and Ph.D. in Chemistry from The University of Florida, and a J.D. from George Mason University. Education was a big part of who John was. He never lost his wonder and awe of science, and unquenchable curiosity for how the universe works.

For over 20 years, John was a Patent Attorney, working on countless inventions and products covering a wide range of technologies. He took great enjoyment in knowing that patent protection is mentioned in the Articles of the Constitution and felt that he was supporting our democracy with his work. Over the years, he developed lasting friendships with many fellow attorneys and clients.

John married the love of his life, Sherri Rae Johnson, in 1989 in Corpus Christi, Texas. After completing graduate school in Florida, they settled in Northern Virginia. The center of his universe was his family. He loved his parents and his sister and brothers and their families. John was a devoted father to his sons, William Johnson and Daniel Aubrey. He was the fearless leader on many family adventures.

As an Eagle Scout himself, John was very proud that both Will and Dan earned the rank of Eagle. He and the boys walked many miles together and participated in camping, hiking, canoeing, sailing and biking expeditions too numerous to list. In raising his sons, and in working with so many other scouts, John led by example to instill the importance of kindness, honor, honesty, loyalty, helpfulness, courtesy and bravery.

John had many interests and activities that he freely shared with everyone. He loved water, sailing, windsurfing, Porsches, music, home improvement projects, outdoor activities, sewing, bonfires, celestial happenings, current events, weather, bicycling, reading, the Dallas Cowboys, the Florida Gators, service to his community and to his church. He was always up for a good debate or conversation and underlying all of it was his quick wit and marvelous sense of humor.

John is preceded in death by his mother, Bette Joyce Lewis Pike and an infant daughter, Memory. He leaves behind his father, Ray Redfearn Pike; beloved wife and best friend Sherri; sons William Johnson (Laine) and Daniel Aubrey; sister Jeri (Michael) Manjarris; brothers Joel (life partner Pam Hockett) and Bill (Ami); mother-in-law Marvel Johnson; brother-in-law, Gary (Eileen) Johnson; sisters-in-law, Deborah (Ken) Nicolas and Gail Tabor; nieces Margaret and Maya Manjarris, Faith Pike, Alicia (Nathan) Re; Nephews Zac Pike and Phyllip (Susan) Taylor-Alonso; great niece Nova Spence; and great nephews Ezekiel Claudio and Chase Re.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to these worthy causes in John’s honor:

• The Not Too Far From Here Fund https://www.aldersgate.net/ John was part of the church team that disbursed funds to the needy in our local community.

• Infinite Legacy www.infinitelegacy.org The family takes comfort in knowing that as an organ donor, John has selflessly given to others so their loved one’s prayers are answered.

A Service of Resurrection for the Life of John Pike will be held Friday, October 18, 2024 at 11:00 am at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Alexandria, Virginia. Officiated by Reverend Dr. Randy Orndorff. A luncheon will follow.