John Alexander Scudder

John Scudder was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on September 1, 1920. He spent his early years in Little Falls, New York and Centerport Long Island.

At the age of 16 he attended State Aviation School in Utica, N.Y., where he earned an Aircraft and Engine Mechanic’s license. An intense interest in planes led him to Akron, Ohio, and such companies as Airwing Division of Firestone Tire and Rubber, Goodyear Aircraft and a teaching position for aircraft mechanics in the evenings at Thomastown Aviation School.

He joined the Air Force in World War II and served as a pilot and squadron instructor. After the war he earned a degree in 1948 in Aeronautical Engineering from the Aeronautical University in Chicago.

He joined the world of business and earned 17 patents while employed at companies such as Union Specialty, Allis Chalmers, CheMechanical, U.S. Steel and Chemtron.

John married his wife, Jeanette, in 1955, and they were blessed with two children, Jeannine and Jeffrey and three granddaughters, Janelle, Elisa, and Gabrielle. Throughout his life, family and children were of paramount importance to John.

John was ordained a minister in 1969 and spent the next 25 years as pastor of the Christian Fellowship Church in Richton Park, IL. His life was dedicated to helping others, and he was available 24 hours a day for anyone in need. The saying “The best sermons are lived not preached” is probably the best way to sum up his life. John lived what he preached!

John Scudder often said, “If I can lead one person to God, my life will have been worthwhile.” He touched more lives and led more people to God than it is possible to count.

John has remained in communication with this side since his passing. He was instrumental in providing material that was used in the book Back to Heaven, and it was his suggestion to begin writing Messages from Beyond the Grave..