John Thompson Potts, Jr.

John Thompson Potts, Jr., 86, of Laurel, MD, passed away, due to complications from Alzheimer’s Disease, on August 25, 2024 after a long and fulfilling life.

John is survived by his loving wife, Sandra Olek Potts; his children: Vicki Medvick (John), Traci Beck (Skip Mason), David Potts (Kass) and daughter-in-law Janeen Potts; his step children: Andrew Olek (Sandi) and Ann O’Brien (Paul); his grandchildren: Krista Beck, Whitney Beck, Lanie Beck, Matthan Potts, Alexander Medvick, Daniel Medvick, Sophia Medvick, and Hope Potts; his step-grandchildren: Cassie Olek, Maddie Olek, Abby O’Brien and Owen O’Brien; and his nieces: Rena Vaughan and Elaine Wiegman. John is also survived by his former wife, Elaine Dyche.

John is predeceased by his parents, Rena & John Potts, Sr.; his sister, Julia Garrison; and his youngest son, John M. Potts.

Born in Atlanta, his family eventually moved to the Mt. Pleasant/Sullivan’s Island, SC area, where he developed a deep love for the sea. At the age of 16, he got his license to drive a school bus. He was paid $25 per month and wound up with the fastest school bus in the fleet – a V-8 Ford. As soon as John turned 17, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard. He retired from the Coast Guard with 21.5 years of active duty and the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He and his family moved every few years as he was transferred with the Coast Guard. He was stationed in some lovely places, including Alaska, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii.

After retiring from the Coast Guard, John continued to foster his extreme love of the water. He owned sailboats and canoes over the years; took many cruises with his wife, Sandee; taught water survival to merchant marines at the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship; joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary where he stood watches, taught safety courses to the public and was appointed to serve on the National Auxiliary staff as Director of the Recreational Boating Safety Affairs Dept.

In the mid-80’s, John was consecrated as a minister in the United Methodist Church. He served for 3 years in the mountains of western Maryland (Allegany County) with the congregations of Midland, Shaft and Woodland. He conducted services at each of the three churches every Sunday morning, riding his motorcycle as he made the rounds. He is still remembered with great fondness by the parishioners for all that he taught them. Another adventure he had was when he smuggled Bibles behind the Iron Curtain with the Eastern European Bible Mission.

In the late 80’s through 2000, John worked as an addictions counselor and held different positions with the Drinking Driver Monitor Program for the State of Maryland.

From John’s early years as a teen, he was a gifted singer. He led many church choirs, as well as performing concerts of Christian music which highlighted the need to support mission efforts in other countries. Even in John’s last days, when he would hear a hymn, he would automatically start waving his hands to “direct” the music!

John also enjoyed painting with oils and pastels. During his retirement years, he had a kiln and created some wonderful ceramic pieces, including unique “treasure houses”.

Plans for a memorial service are being finalized. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Philip’s Episcopal Church (for their food pantry), 522 Main St., Laurel, MD 20717-4118.

St. Philip's Episcopal Church
522 Main Street, Laurel MD 20707
Tel: 1-301-776-5151