John James Reckner was born June 10, 1938 in Philadelphia, PA and passed away on Dec. 27, 2021 at 8:29 p.m. in the VA Medical Center in Martinsburg, WV. John was beloved for his quick wit, captivating stories and keen sense of humor! He loved to make people laugh and make a positive difference in the world around him, however possible. He was well respected and admired by all who knew him. Surely, he will be missed and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
John had a very successful career in the U.S. Army, retired as a Sergeant Major after 22 years of dedicated service, and even served during war time in Korea and Vietnam. While stationed in Germany, he met his wife Barbara Rae Ebert of Rockford, IL who was also serving in the Army. They fell in love almost immediately and went on to have four children: John P. (deceased), Michael, Mark, and Debbie. John’s tours of duty included serving in Korea, Vietnam, Presidio of San Francisco, the Pentagon and lastly, Kwajalein Island in the South Pacific. John was a very strong, proud, independent, determined, resourceful, innovative, inspiring and beloved man. He loved life! He and Barbara were part of a local knitting group called “The Knotheads” and enjoyed giving back to the community by knitting and donating many blankets for disabled veterans, hats for newborns at the hospital, and other things. They also participated in the Berkeley County “Backpacks for Kids Program” for many years. John was a strong believer in helping one another and giving back to the community whenever possible. While stationed in the Marshall Islands, John was even formally recognized by his military superiors for organizing and leading an island-wide food and toy drive for the needy children! It was a huge success! All of the native children (who had never heard of Santa Claus or experienced Christmas) were overjoyed to receive their precious gifts from John, Barbara, and a host of their elf helpers that year!
John is survived by his wife of over 60 years Barbara (Gerrardstown, WV), sons Michael and his wife Karrie, Mark and his wife Tara, daughter Debbie Reckner, and many grandchildren. He was number six of seven children born to Harry Alphonsus Reckner and Ellen “Ella” Ferrigan of Kintnersville, PA. His siblings Harry (Kintnersville, PA 2018), Ellen (Nadick, MA 2019), Joseph (Ocala, FL 2019), Marjorie (Spokane, WA 2019), Irene (Kintnersville, PA 2008), and James (Lubbock, TX 2018) predeceased him. There are currently no plans for a service.
