John Namovich, age 81, Albany, died unexpectedly on Tuesday December 30, 2025 at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. He was born in Gary, Indiana on March 31, 1944 and graduated from Lew Wallace High School in 1962.  John moved to Montana to attend Eastern Montana College where he received a B.S. degree in Social Studies and Business.  After residing there a few years, he returned to Indiana and lived in Muncie where he earned a Master of Arts degree in American History from Ball State University.  He worked in the steel mills of northern Indiana to fund his education and went on to a career of teaching within the Jay School Corporation.  John was a teacher of American History – first at Portland High School, then at Jay County High School where he also coached JV baseball for a few years.  Overall, he taught for twenty-seven years before retiring in 2001.

John belonged to the Jay County Teachers Association and was an avid sports fan – especially the Chicago White Sox.  He enjoyed collecting and selling baseball cards, telling stories, sharing newspaper clippings, making candles, and spending time at the Albany McDonald's socializing.  He was a dedicated walker and took pleasure in giving his grandkids two-dollar bills for good luck.

Survivors include his wife of fifty-nine years, Cheryl Namovich, and their daughters: Stacey Shoemaker (husband: Steve), Brownstown, and Amy Whitlock (husband: Kevin), Westfield; brother: Richard Namovich, Tallahassee, FL; grandchildren: Kyle Whitlock (wife: Emily), Carly (Whitlock) Guymon (husband: Patrick), Trent Shoemaker, and Mallory Shoemaker; also surviving are several nieces & nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Barney & Martha (Smilanic) Namovich, a brother: Bill Namovich, and a special aunt, Ann Smilanic.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation will take place.  Potential plans for a future celebration of John's life are pending at this time.

Memorial contributions, in John's memory, may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.