Obituary of John B Gundry

John Barry Gundry, our "Iron Man," age 86, passed away peacefully on August 4th, 2023, at home with his family after fighting a long illness. Born September 17, 1936, in Reading, PA, he was the son of the late John C. Gundry and the late Dorothy I. Gundry (nee Ritter). A Hunterdon County resident since 1974, John's career in education spanned 39 years in Edison Township as an English teacher and track coach at J.P. Stevens High School, from 1964 through 1992, and as President of the Edison Township Education Association for an additional thirteen years.

John graduated from Dickinson High School, Jersey City, NJ, in 1954. He served his country as part of the US Air Force in Germany from 1954 through 1958 and continued as a reservist until 1962. He enjoyed running track while enlisted and was the recipient of several military awards and honors.  Upon returning from deployment, he joined his father’s local millwright and carpenters’ union 2315 of Jersey City, a job which he carried and worked when not teaching in the summers, as many teachers can relate, for over 20 years.  John furthered his education by attending UPSALA College where he lettered in football and track, earning his Bachelor's degree in 1964.  He began teaching that same year and immediately followed his love of running track by beginning to coach.  Additionally in the 60’s, he earned a brown belt in Judo at the Cranford Judo and Karate Center.  Upon his retirement in 2003, John was cited by then NJ assemblymen Barnes and Diegnan for "an unparalleled career in the field of education, meritorious record of service, leadership, dedication, and commitment." John was passionate about military service, public school education, developing young athletes, and was a fierce supporter of the teaching profession.

A year-round coach of young men and women, John's cross-country teams at JPS never had a losing season. Among his athletes' many personal accomplishments and titles, Coach Gundry enjoyed a championship 2-mile relay team in 1975 at the Penn Relays, a record holding national champion, Janet Smith in 1983, and was inducted into the NJIAA Coaches' Hall of Fame. As ETEA president, his negotiating team received the NJEA's Jim George Collective Bargaining Award in 2002. 

John was a loving, dedicated father to four children Patrick, Meagan, John, and Eric.  He cherished and was proud of his children and took joy in spending time with his granddaughter, Julia, making precious memories.  Above all, John was a beloved dad, grandpop, husband, and uncle; his influence, strength, and love are with us.

John is survived by his wife of 49 years, Laura Gundry (nee Jorgensen); son, Patrick; daughter, Meagan; son-in-law, James Heller; beloved granddaughter, Julia; brother, Gerald Gundry and wife Marilyn; and many special nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

John is predeceased by his parents, John C. and Dorothy Gundry; his two sons, John and Eric Gundry; brother, Ronald; his sister, Linda Welchman; brother-in-law, Tom Welchman; nephew, Jerry; and nieces, Lori and Rhonda.

The Gundry family would like to give a special thanks to the professionals at: Frefenius of Flemington, Hunterdon Home Health Services, Hunterdon Hospice and Riverfield Medical.

Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Saturday, August 12th from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM, at the Martin Funeral Home, located at 1761, Route 31, Clinton NJ 08809. Service of Remembrance with Air Force Honors will begin at 3:00 PM in the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children Research Hospital (Please Click Here to Donate) or to a charity of your choice.