John Stokes

An international man for all seasons, John was born on 23 September 1940 in Wisbech, United Kingdom. Growing up in post-war England inspired him to service and at 19 he joined the London Metropolitan Police force. As a London bobby he chased villains through the streets and canals of the neighborhood of Hackney and for 25-years worked his way up the ladder of the Met.

It was in London in 1976 that he met his loving companion and wife, Louise Annie Mckrill. When Annie left to live in the United States, John knew he had to follow, and upon retirement from the police in 1984, John joined her and took up a security post at the British embassy in Washington DC while he and Annie settled into a home in Woodbridge Virginia.

The Australian embassy poached John in 1987 and for the next 18 years he supervised security for the Aussies, serving diplomats, ministers and any number of society on Embassy Row.

In 1990, John and Annie moved once more into their current home at Aquia Harbour in Stafford Virginia. John personally planned and constructed gardens and koi ponds at their home where they enjoyed spending time with local birdlife and neighbors alike.

John moved into the realm of Private Security when he took the position of Director of Risk Management at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington DC. There he worked through presidential inaugurations, political summits and was a re-assuring presence for the many celebrities, politicians and other notables that visit the nation’s capital.

He took his final post in 2009 when he helped to open the Jefferson Hotel in Washington DC. As Chief of security he once again guided and protected some of the most famous people in the world – quietly and professionally.

During his happy weekends John and Annie were a constant presence at auction houses across Virginia, DC, Delaware, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. An expert in pottery and porcelain and passionate for both clocks and stamps, John leaves behind a massive collection of amazing items that span well over 200 years of history. In his retirement he enjoyed watching football (from both of his countries), rugby and golf with Annie and his other constant companions – Buddy, his dog and cats Cagney and Lacey.

In lieu of flowers please donate for John to your favorite animal/wildlife support and rescue mission.

Annie is planning a future memorial service where we can offer a heartfelt toast to a life well lived.

Godspeed John.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mullinsthompsonstafford.com for the Stokes family.