John B. Echols

March 15, 1941 - January 1, 2019
John B. Echols

Memorial Gifts & Donations




John B. Echols, 77, passed away Tuesday, January 1, 2019 at Lower Cape Fear Hospice & LifeCareCenter.

John was born on March 15, 1941 in Lancaster, Ohio to John B. Echols, Sr. and Virginia Manning Echols who predeceased him.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Jo Echols; son, Christopher Echols and wife Kristi; daughter, Emily Echols and fiance Chuck Payne: sister Judith Echols; brother-in-laws Thomas Graf and Charles Graf.

John graduated Lancaster High School in Lancaster, Ohio and graduated from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. He resided in Lancaster until 1992 when he moved with his family to Wilmington, NC. He was a proud member of The Salvation Army, Good Shepard Center, Response Emergency Management Org. ( REMO ), New Hanover Hospital Volunteer Services, Lifetime member of Nights of Columbus , Lifetime member of United Commercial Travelers, The New Hanover County Arboretum and Community Emergency Response Team ( CERT ). He was also a former usher and parishioner of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

John was employed by the North Carolina Division of the Blind and retired at the age of 67.

He served his country faithfully in Vietnam having served in the U.S. Air Force.

A memorial mass will be held Monday, January 7, 2019 at 9:00am at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church , 6650 Carolina Beach Road , Wilmington, NC 28412.

In lieu of flowers contributions in his may be made to The Good Shepherd Center, 811 Martin Street, Wilmington, NC 28401.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “ Post a Condolence “ tab below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington NC 28403 910.791.9099


Purchase Flowers

Tribute Wall

Please feel free to sign the guestbook or share a memory



Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


  • January 02, 2019
    Chris & Kristi Echols says:
    Its a bittersweet beginning to the New Year for our family but knowing that he's in a better place now is a welcome relief. He had a wonderful Christmas surrounded by his family, and he cherished it so very much. John was a good man, loyal and loving husband, terrific father and a patriot, he will be forever missed! Fair Winds and Following Seas through the Heavens, Dad!

  • January 02, 2019
    Wilma and Thane Hecox says:
    Thane and I have very fond memories of our times spent with John. John was always a great host and made sure you were entertained. We will miss his humour. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary Jo, Chris and Emily. Thanks to John for his military service. Love to all.

  • January 02, 2019
    Judy Echols says:
    My brother passed away on 1/1/2019. In our church, that is the Feast Day of the Solemnity of Mary. How fitting, because my brother was truly devoted to the Mother of God. He always felt that Mary would take his request directly to Jesus, and that He would listen to His Mother first and foremost. Dear Mary, take my brother, wrap him in your mantle, and present him to Jesus. I love you John Boy...you were the best brother ever.

  • January 03, 2019
    Anne says:
    Uncle John always have good sense of humor.Thank you for always entertaining us every time we come and visit Wilmington.Rest in Peace Uncle John.My thoughts and prayers to Aunt Jo,Emily,Chris and Chuck.

  • January 03, 2019
    Jan Granger says:
    John married one of my very best friends and eventually took her off to Wilmington where I was slow to stay in touch. But periodically my email would have a joke or story that made me laugh. Of course, they were from John. Thank you, John, for all of the laughs, for your service, and for loving my friend. To Jo, Chris and Emily, may God lift you up even as you grieve, and may wonderful memories comfort you and bring you peace.