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John Sanborn Billings
2020-07-21
John Sanborn Billings was born in Boston, Massachusetts on January 27, 1931, to Charles Billings and Elizabeth Sanborn. He grew up in Newton, MA and joined the Army during his senior year at Bentley University. He served in Germany in the Army Security Agency and was discharged in 1955. After finishing his schooling, he worked in Providence, RI for Brown and Sharpe Mfg. Co. He migrated, with two friends, to Menlo Park, California and immediately went to work for AMPEX Corporation. He ultimately became VP-CFO of MAST, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hitachi Chemical Corp. from which he retired in 1998.
Upon settling in California, he married Joan Sherwood of Englewood, NJ, and they had two sons, Donald and Bruce, both currently of Dallas, Texas. Joan died suddenly in 1980, and later in his life, he married Cherie, of Fresno, CA. They were happily married for 37 years and living at the Amelia Island Plantation for the last 20 years. They traveled extensively, taking 46 cruises to various parts of the world and played both tennis and golf for many years.
John served as president of Alpine Hills Tennis and Swim Club in California, was Treasurer of the Amelia Island Club MGA for many years, was also Treasurer of AIRPO for 20 years and was a member of the Board of the Jacksonville Symphony for 9 years.
John passed away due to complications from his struggles with cancer on July 20, 2020 and is survived by his wife, Cherie, sons Donald (Robin), Bruce (Dawn), Tony, 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to John�s favorite charity, Jacksonville Symphony Memorial Fund, 300 Water Street, Jacksonville, 32202.
Memories
JAMES AND DEEDEE CORBIN July 23, 2020
A wonderful man who Will be missed.
DOUG & JACKIE MONTANARI July 23, 2020
Don / Robin our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
BOB & LOUISE KROGH July 23, 2020
Cherie, so sorry to hear about the passing of John. We always had great times with you and John at SCMS and IMA events. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
HARVEY CHILDERS July 24, 2020
Cherie,
I�m so sorry to learn of John�s death., Both you and John were
always so loyal and supportive of IMA and for SCMS, even more so.. Trudy and I claimed you as good friends for at least the last 40 years. We enjoyed our time with you and especially our visit to your beautiful Amelia Island home
My prayers are for you and your family. John was a good person.
May God Bless you,
Harvey Childers
CECELIA VALLANDINGHAM July 24, 2020
Don, Robin and family,
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your father and grandfather. I am thinking of you and your entire family at this very sad time in your life.
JAMES HORSCH AND KAREN MACQUEEN July 24, 2020
Dear Cherie,
We are so saddened to hear of John�s passing, and we pray for peace and comfort to you and your family during this time of great loss. John was a treasure and we very much loved talking with him whether at an IMA event, at the Jacksonville Symphony, having dinner, or visiting at your home. God bless you and we hope to see you later this fall upon our return to Amelia Island.
DIRECTOR July 27, 2020
Dear Cherie and family,
We were so sorry to hear of John�s passing. We offer our sympathy to you and your family. We will miss him at the symphony.
Fondly,
Bill and Kathy Cosnotti
JOE MARASCO July 27, 2020
Dear Cherie,
I send my deepest sympathy on John�s passing. He was a dedicated man of action whose support of the Jacksonville Symphony was exemplary. He will be missed. May God�s comfort be with you.
MARK D ROMBOLI July 27, 2020
We were sadden to hear of John�s passing. We had the pleasurer of meeting him at SCMS events. SCMS has suffered a loss. Our heartfelt condolences to Cheryl and the family. Mark Romboli SCMS President 2011-2012 and wife Cathy
TOM AND MARY ANN GALBRAITH July 27, 2020
We knew John�s cancer was bad, that he could go any time. Yet, it was a real shock when we heard suddenly he was gone. . The world has lost a true gentleman, and Cheri has lost a wonderful husband. Our most sincere condolences to her.
JOHN POLLARA July 27, 2020
So sorry to hear of John�s passing. John has always been my IMA hero. I looked up to him and hoped to one day emulate his accomplishments. Cherie, I know you have lost the love of your life. Anyone whoever saw you together knew immediately you had something special. Our prayers are with you and your family during this trying time.
SANDEEP July 27, 2020
Bruce,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on your father�s passing away. I do recall you talking about him fondly during our conversation. While I have not met him, I know he was a wonderful person. I pray for his soul to rest in peace and support and strength to you and everyone in your family.
RICHARD SHERWOOD AND PAM HUDSON SHERWOOD July 30, 2020
Cherie- Cousin Don and family, Cousin Bruce and family- please accept condolence from Dick Sherwood and Pam Sherwood Hudson. Uncle John will be missed . Dick had stayed in touch over the years and was glad to have visited just a few years ago in Amelia Island.. He was a real gift to this world and a terrific man.
BUD & KATHY KULESZA August 1, 2020
Cherie and family, So sorry to hear of John�s passing. Please accept our condolences on your loss. John�s warming presence and calm along with his passion for �getting the job done� made an impact on the many people and organizations he worked with. Those memories are a legacy which will not be forgotten with the passing of time. He will be missed but not forgotten. With deepest Sympathy ,
GARY AND JAYNE UNDERWOOD August 19, 2020
Gary and I were saddened to learn of John�s passing. It was a pleasure to have known him. Our sympathies to you, Cherie, and those who also loved him.
ED August 19, 2020
Cherie, my sincerest sympathy to you and your family. It was great knowing John at the various IMA and SCMS meetings and events. You lost a great man but you had many glorious trips, golfing and tennis activities with him. And most certainly your family. I wish you the best and John will be looking after you .