John was born in Savannah, Georgia, August 24, 1928 to Benjamin and Mary Behnken.
In 1955 John joined the State Circulation Department of the Atlanta Journal Constitution as City Manager in Augusta,Georgia; and retired 37 years later as Division Manager over Southeast Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida. John was presented with several awards recognizing his contribution to the company.
While living in Milledgeville, Georgia, John was a member of Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church. He was a Sunday school teacher, vestryman, Men's Club president, and Key Man of the church. In Milledgeville, John was a member of the local Moose Lodge. He was honored Moose of the Year for the many philanthropic projects that he headed. He was also elected Moose Governor of the Milledgeville unit. John continued his charity work as a member of the Royal Arch Masons, and The Imperial Council of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of North America. John was elected president of the Tri County Shrine Club Milledgeville, Georgia.
After John retired from the Atlanta Journal / Constitution, he took up the hobby of building and flying radio controlled airplanes, and was a member of the Atlanta Radio Control Club.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Julia(Dolly); His son Dennis (Amber), daughter Julie (Allen), and daughter-in-law Marcy. His grandchildren Jennifer, Vanessa, Melissa, Heather, Ginny, Amanda, Matthew, Ruby, Cecilia; and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sons Phillip and John, Jr.
Funeral services will by held Monday, May 7, 2018, Visitation at 12:00 and Funeral at 1:00 at Floral Hills Funeral Home. Donations can be sent to Lawrenceville Road United Methodist Church, 3142 Lawrenceville Hwy, Tucker, GA 30084.
