John Howard Rockhold was born on August 24th, 1932 in Long Beach, California. He was
the son of Howard and Nell Rockhold and was the oldest of four brothers. At the age of
nineteen, John “alias” Jack was hired by the Douglas Aircraft Company. However, just one year
into his employment John began to feel a strong desire to serve his country. He joined the
Marine Corps in 1951. John served bravely as a member of the 1st Marine Division, nicknamed
“The Old Breed”, fighting in the Korean War from 1952-1953 as an artilleryman. John’s last year
in the Marines was spent in beautiful Hawaii. He would often comment about the time spent in
Hawaii as a needed respite from more tumultuous times.

Upon discharge from the Marine Corps John moved back to Long Beach, California and
returned to his old employer, Douglas Aircraft. It was during this time that John began the most
important work of his life, his service to the Lord. As a member of Brethren Christian Church in
Long Beach, John was involved with the Soldiers and Sailors Ministry. John drove the streets of
Long Beach, filling his VW bus with servicemen who wanted to attend church. He fed to them,
played basketball with them and ministered to them.

While on the job, John worked on some of the greatest aircraft ever designed, to include
the DC-8, the mighty DC-9, MD-80, and the C-17 Globe Master III. John took great pride in his
job and fostered many life-long friendships with co-workers. He was part of, and led, a weekly
men’s bible study. In 2010, John finally hung up his working hat and retired. All told, he worked
at Douglas/McDonnell Douglas/Boeing for 58 years! Several grandfather clocks, which were
awarded to employees with many years of service, adorned his home.

Following his retirement from Boeing, John moved with his youngest son’s family to New
Orleans, Louisiana. While in New Orleans, John joined Calvary Baptist Church and became an
active member of the senior ministry. John’s great desire was to serve his Lord and Savior
through the spreading of the Gospel. To that end, he joined Gideons International with the
primary activity of distributing The Bible free of charge throughout the world. John visited local
churches where he would advocate for donations from the congregation to support bible
distribution. He and the local Gideon chapter would visit schools, malls, jails, and even the
Angola State Penitentiary to witness and distribute Gods Word.

The final years of John’s life were spent with his grandkids, where he injected his
calming, patient, and loving influence into their lives. John contracted COVID-19 in January
2021 and was hospitalized for 40 days. While in the hospital John witnessed to the medical
staff, sang hymns aloud, and praised the Lord with every fiber of his being. His faith was
infectious and, as a result, John’s son would receive daily updates from the staff talking about
his passion and love for the Lord. He was able and strong enough to come home to his family in
February. On April 23rd 2021, John Howard Rockhold, 88, went to be with the Lord. A blessing to
the family, surrounding Jack in their Maryland home.

He is survived by his son, Mr. William Rockhold of El Paso, New Mexico, son, Mr. Michael
Rockhold, San Diego, California, son, Mr. Kenneth Rockhold, Stevensville, Maryland,
granddaughter, Ms. Ashley Rockhold, Los Angeles, California, granddaughter, Ms. Mindy Dohner,
Long Beach, California, grandson, Mr. Mason Rockhold, San Diego, California by way of USS
Aircraft Carrier Theodore Roosevelt, granddaughter, Ms. Kennedy Waller, San Diego, California,
grandson, Mr. Grant Rockhold, Stevensville, Maryland, grandson, Mr. Nathan Rockhold,
Stevensville, Maryland



Saddleback Chapel is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: John Rockhold Service
Time: Jun 1, 2021 09:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89638090708

Meeting ID: 896 3809 0708