John Robert White, age 60, passed away at home with loving family by his side in Portland, Oregon, on July 19th, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer.

A beloved husband, father, brother and son, John was born in Zanesville, Ohio on August 20, 1964 to Robert and Joanne (Brown) White.
John grew up in Malta, Ohio and attended Morgan High School where he was the school's first 4-year Golf Medalist. At Denison University he was a member of the University Golf Team and later coached golf back in McConnelsville, Ohio at MHS. 'Find The Ball; Hit The Ball' was a life lesson he shared with everyone who knew him well.

John left Denison to join the military and served in Italy and Germany. Years after a friendship with Anne Frey at Denison, they reconnected and married in Portland, Oregon where John traded Midwest winters for the rain.

John was a man of many talents. He wrote songs that stuck in your head and your heart, landscaped yards into works of art, and could fix almost anything with duct tape, determination, and a well-timed joke. He spent his life making things -- music, gardens, community and memories -- with the care and authenticity that defined who he was.

Known around town as the spirited front-man for his band John White and The Unlikely Renegades, John was a provocative raconteur and a popular fixture in the local music scene, offering up his signature phrase, 'Four Chords and Half The Truth.'

John is survived by his wife, Anne Frey, the love of his life, who matched his wit and loved him through every verse and chorus of life; by his daughters Anastasia Maynich (Wayne LeBlanc) of San Pablo, CA and Valeriya (Benjamin) Pitz of Arroyo Seco, NM; his mother Joanne White Bennett and siblings James "Jimmy" (Annalisa) White of Malta, OH, Joel (Tatia) White of Hershey, PA and Kelly (Jack) Lollar of Columbus GA, along with multiple cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father and a sister, Sandra M. White.

John said he'd rather you pour a drink, play some music, laugh too loud, tell a good story in his honor. True to his wishes, there will be a Celebration of Life at Chill N Fill 5215 N. Lombard Street Portland, Oregon on September 13, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. At his request, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a local community organization of your choice to honor John's memory.

John's stories, music, and wild generous spirit will echo in the people and places he loved.

Guided by grace, John touched the lives of many people, seeing them for who they are and being there when it mattered most. He will be sorely missed by countless family and friends.

A hometown celebration of John's life is planned for April 11, 2026 in Ohio. The family will confirm a location and time in the coming months.