John B. Denune passed from this life into eternity on the morning of November 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., in Granville, Ohio. He was welcomed into the loving arms of family and friends who had gone before him. At 100 years of age, he leaves behind a lifetime of memories, stories, accomplishments, and a family who will forever cherish him.

Born in Columbus, Ohio, John was the second son of Linn L. “Jack” Denune and Barbara E. (Thomson) Denune. From an early age, he possessed a curious mind, an independent spirit, and a natural gift for finding his own way through life.

As a young man, John developed a magic act that featured both sleight of hand and hypnotism, demonstrating the ingenuity and showmanship that would remain part of his personality throughout his life. He earned a degree in chemistry from Otterbein College, but his career path took a somewhat unexpected turn. When offered a position at Battelle Memorial Institute, he learned that accepting the job would require an expensive government background investigation. Deciding that selling automobiles could be twice as profitable, he chose the road less traveled and continued his career in sales.

John also worked for his older brother, Harry, in the wholesale motorcycle parts business. As a traveling salesman, he visited 48 states, gaining a wealth of experiences and undoubtedly collecting more than a few stories along the way.

In the early 1960s, John began a business purchasing and selling bankrupt inventories, dealing in everything from toys to jewelry. His business sense and entrepreneurial spirit served him well, allowing him to retire at the remarkable age of 35. In retirement, he turned his attention to managing several rental properties.

Another chapter of John's life began around the age of 43, when his interest in stamp collecting evolved into a passion for Christmas Seals. From the early 1970s through the late 1990s, he purchased most of the major collections and available stocks that came onto the market. In this small and specialized collecting community, John became a well-known and respected figure. What began as a hobby grew into a lifelong pursuit that reflected his attention to detail, enthusiasm for collecting, and appreciation for the unusual.

Beyond his business ventures and collecting interests, John simply loved to drive and travel. He enjoyed exploring new places and making memories with his family. The open road was part of who he was, and many family memories were made along the way.

John lived what could only be described as a charmed life. He possessed a quiet wisdom and an uncommon ability to learn from the mistakes of others rather than having to make them himself. He was independent, resourceful, and never particularly inclined to follow the conventional path. He approached life with curiosity, confidence, and a belief in making the most of the opportunities before him.

Perhaps one of his greatest accomplishments was the life and family he built. For 71 years, he shared his journey with his beloved wife, Georgia. Together they created a family and a lifetime of experiences that will continue through the generations. Their years together stand as a lasting testament to a life shared.

John is proceeded in death by his brother Harry Denune; Survived by his sister, Margaret E. Jeffers of Worthington, and his loving wife of 71 years, Georgia; and their children, Margaret Judge (Geoffrey) and John Baughman Denune (Tricia); his grandchildren, Hilary Kalra (Ashish), Graham Judge (Ashlyn), and James Denune (Liz); and his great-grandchildren, Sophia Denune, Alice Denune, Liberty Heimerl, A.J. Cook, Arora Kalra, Jasper Judge, and Zoa Judge.

At 100 years, John's journey through this world was a long and remarkable one. He leaves behind more than a family tree. He leaves behind stories, lessons, adventures, and memories that will be told and retold by those who loved him. His life was uniquely his own, and those fortunate enough to have shared it with him will carry a piece of it forward.

A service to celebrate John's life will be held at 1:00 PM, Monday November 9, 2026 at McPeek Hoekstra Hoskinson Funeral Home, 133 S. Prospect Street, Granville 43023 where the family will receive friends 30 minutes prior, from 12:30 - 1:00 PM. Rev. Brian Humphreys officiating. Burial following at Maple Grove Cemetery.

He has taken his final journey, leaving behind a lifetime of memories and a family whose love will never end.