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In memory of

John Makoto Black

Browns Mills, NJ

June 13, 1961 - May 22, 2020

Jun 13, 1961 - May 22, 2020

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On May 22nd, 2020 John Makoto Black, loving husband and father, passed away in Browns Mills NJ, at the age of 58.

John was born June 13th, 1961 in San Diego, CA. He went to High School in Texas, studied physics at Texas A & M University, and served in the United States Navy on a submarine tender stationed in Scotland. After his service he worked as a CNC programmer and machinist.

John was a Master Naturalist for the State of New Jersey and a Certified Interpretive Guide. He served on the board of the New Jersey Audubon Society, and as the President of the Native Plant Society of New Jersey. He gave talks on dragonflies, spiders, native plant gardening, the moon, and hosted storytelling campfires. Oftentimes he would stop whatever he was doing to follow a butterfly across a field, or save a spider from a busy corridor. It was always his hope that through his programs he could inspire others to give back to or even just appreciate nature a little more.

John loved the outdoors, and explored wild places every chance he got. He loved backpacking and camping, rock climbing, swimming, cycling, canoeing and kayaking. He spent several years as a volunteer for the BLM helping them map, and explore federal lands in New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah. He also volunteered with several wild life rescue groups, saving all sorts of animals. He cared for orphaned baby raccoons, skunks, and crows. He loved to juggle, knew how to surf, ride a skateboard, and loved playing backgammon as well.

John married Christine McCullough in June of 2014 and adopted her two daughters (Armida & Alicia). They had a really nice life together, full of magic, happiness and adventures. John will be remembered for his quiet calm demeanor, his love of insects and nature, his sense of humor and love of practical jokes, his athleticism, and his respect for all things living. John was the kind of person who went out of his way to help a stranger without being asked and every person who he came into contact with could feel the passion with which he lived his life.

John was preceded in death by his mother Chieko, father William, and brother David. He is survived by his wife, Christine Black, son Christopher Dresh, and daughters Brianna, Armida, and Alicia Black.

Please send cards to The Black Family at 421 Bayberry Street, Browns Mills NJ 08015.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Deborah Heart & Lung Center. https://www.deborahfoundation…

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