Comments on: John Daniel Starling

By: Dee & Terri Henderson

Dee & Terri Henderson — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 19:52:54 +0000

Dottie, I’m in a state of shock, and am somewhat (very much) numb. I wrote Marty in early Jan., and amongst other topics, I asked how to reach John, as I had unsuccessfully searched for him on the web. Unknown to me, Marty had retired and never received the email. Last night I stumbled on Marty’s new email, and inquired as to John once again. He replied with the shocking news today.

John meant so very much to me; he was the initial mentor in my career- and a fine one he was! As a young buck straight of out college, he knew exactly how to coach my transition to a career. I wish I could have thanked him for that.

There’s so much I want to say, though I realize this is not the forum. Further downstream, I will write you a letter, sharing good memories. They’ve been rapids flowing through my head and heart since I learned the news. And the fact the dozens of them are all positive, has made today a little more tolerable.

One ironic aspect of our relationship was he was my first manager at United, and I might have been his last (indirectly) as I was charged with UTLD from the corporate perspective in KC. John prepared me well for the staging of my career with United/Sprint (ended in the mid-90′s).

Though maybe a little dark humor in this setting, I can’t help but crack a grin when recalling my visiting him in the hospital 30 years ago; and rather than taking flowers, I brought him a frog with a note, “I’m glad you didn’t croak.” I hope my mentioning this is not out of line, and it pushes the corners of your lips upward, as it did mine. I think John would get a chuckle from this memory now. He was that way- he could take the edge off of less than positive news/times/events ….

John was, and will always be, a great man and influence on my life. I regret I was not more diligent with my search for him the last few years. I loved him dearly, and owe him so much!

All my best to you, Gin, her family, and John’s mother…..

Dee and Terri Henderson
dee@henderson360.com

By: Jack Gaddis

Jack Gaddis — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 20:03:42 +0000

A good man! Our prayers are with the family.

By: Shirley Hicks Singer

Shirley Hicks Singer — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:16:43 +0000

Dotty and family,J D’s smiling face and great sense of humor will certainly
be missed.He had the ability to turn all bad, sad times to good. He was a wonderful gentleman. My families thoughts and prayers are with you and the family at this time of loss in your life.

By: Louanne Blevins

Louanne Blevins — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:17:52 +0000

Dottie, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I have wonderful memories of evenings spent at your house in Bristol and John was a joy to work with at the phone company. We were all blessed by his presence in our lives.

By: Joel & Joann Conner

Joel & Joann Conner — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:06:48 +0000

Dear Dottie, News of John’s passing came as a shock to us. I will never forget the great memories we shared working in Bristol. He was a kind, uplifting and gentle person and will be greatly missed. You and family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

By: Matt Ryan

Matt Ryan — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 21:57:25 +0000

Dotty, I’m saddened as I extend my deepest sympathies and prayers to you and your family on John’s passing. It was my priviledge to know him when we worked in Bristol and to share his humor and kindness. He will always remain a positive part of my life’s experience.

By: Glenn & Joanne McMillan

Glenn & Joanne McMillan — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:25:06 +0000

Dotty and family, we were so sorry to hear about John. We had hoped to come tonight, but because of the weather decided not to. You are all in our thoughts and prayers and our deepest sympathy is with you. John has always been very special as a classmate and a cousin. He will be missed very much.

By: Patsy and Phil Keith

Patsy and Phil Keith — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:58:52 +0000

We offer our condolences to the Starling family. John represented his family through his kind, caring and friendly manner. We will all miss him.

By: George Bottcher

George Bottcher — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:19:00 +0000

I enjoyed working with John in Bristol. He was a kind, fair, intelligent, friendly person that was always fun to be around. I can fondly remember the days we spent working together and how John could make some difficult times easier with his presence.
Dorthy and Ginny and all those close to John are in my prayers.

By: Phyllis Wampler

Phyllis Wampler — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:35:19 +0000

Dottie, We were so aorry to hear of John’s passing. Doreene Tant called me last evening to tell me. She knew John was a favorite of mine at work. He and I shared a lot of “funny” moments as we worked together. One of the many blessings of life is that we are blessed with a treasure trove of memories in our lives so that although a wonderful person is missing, our memories live on. Please know you and your family are in our prayers as you deal with your loss.