John Edward Goetschius

John Edward Goetschius, 70, of Amelia, VA, died January 3, 2018. Born and raised in Rockland County, NY, John was a graduate of Spring Valley Senior High School and Bradley University in Peoria, IL. Following service in the United States Army during the Vietnam era conflict, John began a successful business career with Miller-Morton Company in Richmond, VA prior to self-employment. He was a founding partner of both Heritage Merchandising, Inc. and Security Filter Products, Inc. until 2006.

John continued to foster his entrepreneurial spirit through real estate ventures following retirement. He fulfilled his role as citizen not only via his military service but through involvement in Democratic politics, tenure on the Colonial Heights School Board, and support of a variety of charitable causes that reflected his compassion for individuals in need. The son of a farmer, John loved to commune with nature in his garden and considered himself to be a weather junkie. He amassed a significant following on Twitter, where his appreciation for environmental wonders was captured in posted photos of sunrises, flowers, and moonlit skies. John’s recent list of passions included completing multiple 5K races in various states and cheering on his grandchildren’s many pursuits in sports, music, and academics.

John was the son of the late William and Charlotte Goetschius and is survived by his wife Ann Goetschius, daughter, Jennifer Goetschius Williams (Bob), and stepson, Bruce Kenimer (April), as well as adored grandchildren Nate and Caroline Williams and James and Thomas Kenimer.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday January 10, 2018 from 6:00pm to 8:00 pm at J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home Chester Chapel 3050 W. Hundred Rd. Chester, VA 23831. A funeral service will be held Thursday January 11, 2018 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the Chesapeake Bay Foundation or Wounded Warrior Project. Condolences can be registered online at www.jtmorriss.com