John Wesley Hobbs, Jr., 1912-1989

John Wesley Hobbs, Jr., was born in Hiltons, Virginia, January 8, 1912, and died of a heart attack August 15, 1989, in Alton, Illinois. John spent 48 years in the ministry of Jesus Christ in both the active and retired relationship.

Following graduation from Hiltons High School in 1932, John continued his education at The College of William and Mary graduating with a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Emory University in 1941. John and Sarah Alice Mench were married July 3, 1941, in the old Ocean View Methodist Church by the Rev. Henry A. Harrell. Their son, John Wesley Hobbs III, was born July 12, 1944, while they were living at the old parsonage at Hickory (near Chesapeake).

He was received as a deacon in the Virginia conference in 1941 and appointed to the South Norfolk Circuit where he pastored eight years. He was ordained elder in 1943 and received into full connection. He served the following appointments: Hickory Circuit, 1949-1952; Norfolk Memorial, 1952-1956; Petersburg Trinity, 1956-1963; Manassas Grace, 1963-1971; sabbatical, 1971-1972. In 1972 he retired.

Moving to Illinois in the 1970s, John and Sarah Hobbs joined and participated in the congregational life of the Metropolitan United Methodist Church of Alton to be nearer their son, John, and his wife, Gail, who were married May 14, 1972. The Rev. Hobbs and his wife enjoyed many hours being with their only grandson, John Wesley Hobbs IV, born November 7, 1981.

A Service of Death and Resurrection was held at Metropolitan United Methodist Church, August 16, 1989, by Dr. John E. Sims. Burial services were conducted at Peninsula Memorial Cemetery, Newport News, Virginia, Friday, August 18, 1989. The service was led by the Rev. W.S. Volskis, pastor of First United Methodist Church, Newport News, Virginia.

He was an active Christian, always ready to witness about his faith, to preach for the pastor whenever asked, and to demonstrate Christ's love to all who met him. His kind spirit and deep, personal faith helped and inspired this writer for over eight years. He epitomized to me the meaning of what a true southern gentleman is. He will not be forgotten.

-John E. Sims