John Bolden

Johnnie "John" Bolden was born on September 14, 1950, to lames and Bessie Bolden in Winter Park, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents. Throughout his life, John demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his family and community. From an early age, John professed his faith and was baptized, upholding the values of persistence, education, and devotion. As a lifelong member of Ward Chapel AME Church for over 70 years, he remained actively involved intil his passing, contributing to various boards and committees to support the church's foundation and future viability. His dedication ensured that the church continued to serve successive generations, just as it had supported him. John graduated from Winter Park High School in 1968, excelling in Track and Field, and served as a drum major at Hungerford High School. He pursued higher education at Florida A&M University, where he joined the Alpha X chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated in the spring of 1969 and obtained a bachelor's degree in business in 1972. John began his career in the automotive industry with General Motors Inc. in serchigan. In 1983, he transitioned to the Chrysler Corporation, where he in several leadership roles, culminating in his retirement as the Regional Manager of Wholesale Parts in 2008. He forged enduring professional relationships and was particularly respected for his mentorship, guidance, and commitment to supporting both colleagues and friends in their professional development. In 1978, John married Blanche Smith in Cleveland, Ohio, Over the next 47 years, their love continued to grow, and they were blessed with two sons, Marcus and Brian, whom they raised with strong values emphasizing excellence, faith, education, and community service, Through example, John demonstrated the values of being a devoted husband, immediate family, 5 he mentored many young people and acted as a father figure to those in need, offering guidance, counsel, and steadfast support. His love for giving back to Winter Park, along with 13 other members, led to chartering the Winter Park Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi in 1992, John relished in pouring back into his community through the chapter's Kappa League and welcoming dozens of new Brothers into the Bond, including his sons and nephews. Widely recoached for his tatonson wim integray indrass, and since, John approached every relationship with integrity, kindness, engagement. He took pride in sharing experiences from his academic and professional life, celebrating the successes of loved ones, and participating in meaningful conversations. Whether serving in church leadership, Hungerford frust, organizing reunions, or maintaining connections with classmates and fraternity brothers, his optimism was evident. John's legacy of generosity, wisdom, and unwavering encouragement continues to inspire all who knew John was preceded in death by his brothers Willie James Bolden (Dianna) and Eddie Bolden, his mother, Bessie Bolden, and his father, James L. Bolden. John's cherished memory lives on through his beloved wife, Blanche; his sons, John Marcus Bolden Jessica) of Portland, OR, and Brian James Bolden (Sharell) of Dallas, TX, and his treasured grandchildren, Brian James Bolden Il, John Marcus Bolden II, Brantley Royce, and Makayla Lynne. He will also be remembered by his sister, Betty Anderson of Maitland, FL, and his lifelong best friend and confidant, Deborah Kirby of Winter Park, FL. He is also held in high regard by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and many dear friends whose lives were enriched by his kindness, wisdom, and signature laugh.

Tributes

John Bolden

September 14, 1950 - July 23, 2025