John M. Hawkins, Jr., born October 28, 1950, to John, Sr. and Mary Algean Hawkins in Tchula, Mississippi. The family moved to the “West Side” of Columbus, OH in 1954, where he attended Chicago Ave. and Westgate Elementary; Westmoor Jr. High and graduated from West High School.
John married Carlotta Mitchell in August 1970 and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1971. They started their family in 1973 with the birth of their daughter, Keisha and their son, Jameel in 1977.
John’s love for fast cars and big trucks led to a 50-year commitment to “Trucking”; as he retired with a fleet of trucks and his favorite car, a black corvette.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and John Hawkins, Sr.; his sister, Karen Hawkins; brothers, Shawn Hawkins, and Thomas Huddleson; brother-in-law, Jake Jennings and in-laws, Ruth and Raymond Mitchell.
The memory of John’s dedication to his family and his goodness will forever be cherished and honored by his loving and devoted wife of 53 years, Carlotta; his children, Keisha and Jameel (Aja) Hawkins; grandchildren, Kennedy Dulaney, Aajah & Amari Hawkins, Amil & Jameel Hawkins II & Ayana Johnson; siblings, Tommie Tiggs, Paulette George & Barbara Hawkins; sisters-in-law, Carol & Nicole Mitchell, along with a host of “close” relatives and friends. John was the epitome of “cool, fair and wise.” John loved and was loved and had a life well lived. He will be dearly missed.
John M. Hawkins Jr., age 73. Sunrise October 28, 1950 and Sunset November 13, 2023.
Visitation 9:00 AM and Funeral Service 10:00 AM Saturday, November 25, 2023 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave. (one block east of Noe Bixby, turn North on Lonsdale Rd.).
Interment at Eastlawn Cemetery.
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My sincere condolences to the Hawkins family during this difficult time in the loss of your loved one, know that you are in my thoughts and prayers
John was a great man, loved and respected by
many of us and he will be sorely missed by all
of us! I will always be proud to have called him a friend and a brother! We are truly sorry for your
loss! Heartfelt condolences to the entire family,
Respectfully, John and Debbie!
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Jameel and family my sincere condolences
I know words cannot express what you all are going through a lot of emotions and wonderful memories a piece of your life is now gone but he will live forever in your hearts
Florence Bryant
(Aja’s Mom)
I’m so so sorry for your tragic loss.. and I know how inadequate my words are in this moment. Loss of a parent is hard to accept but wrap yourself in all those happy memories you made with him. May he rest in peace. My heartfelt condolences on you loss.
To the entire family of John Hawkins Jr. I wish to express my deepest condolences . Hawk , in which referred him as kids growing up on Hague Ave. was my first friend when my family moved next door to his family. We became the best of friends along with his three sisters. Paulette, Bobbie and Karen (woota) . His Father got me my first job mowing grass in Upper Arlington. I sincerely will always cherish the great memories that we shared. Rest In Peace My Good Brother ! ! !
To my family I send my deepest condolences. May the Lord continue to keep his loving arms around the Hawkins family at this difficult time.
Carlotta and I have been friends since junior high school. We met Johnny at Marion-Franklin vs West high school football game and it was “ON & POPPIN’ from there. Where have all the years gone? My thoughts and prayers to the Hawkins Family. REST IN PEACE!
what a great guy good friend i will miss him my condolences to the family
John wasn’t just a friend he was family we meet when I was just a teenager and a gate inspector at Trimodal. Who would have known our paths would continue to cross and he ended up driving for Lexington Intermodal until he retired. I offer you my deepest condolences to his entire family he spoke of you all often and with nothing but love and respect. The world is a bit smaller now. Until we meet again my brother.
Bryan and Darlene Hoffman
Our thoughts, prayers and condolences to the Hawkins Family !
With heartfelt sympathy, I extend my condolences to the John Hawkins family. As a childhood friend I referred to him by a variety of names; Johnnie, Hawkins or Hawk but mostly Hawk.
I do apologize for this somewhat lengthy insertion but as I recalled my friendship with Hawkins, I felt compelled to include the following memories.
We played little league football together first with the West Mound Rams and then with the Westgate Hawks. Additionally, the Hague Avenue crew formed a basketball team and participated in the seasonal intramural league held at the Westgate Recreation Center.
I learned through our childhood friendship that Johnnie was competitive, and a leader amongst leaders. Hawk always exhibited trustworthiness, self-confidence, self-esteem, reliability and dependability. Above all his positive characteristics Johnnie said what he meant and meant what he said. In other words, his words meant something!
I don’t have enough time to fully elaborate on Hawks mechanics skills. Believe me! Hawk was a MASTER mechanic and those who know/knew him would/will not dispute nor challenge this statement!
Hawk was the first among his Hague buddies to buy a car. It wasn’t just a car!! It was the most popular car on the market during our time! It was a White 1962 Chevy Impala SS (Super Sport), 283 engine, 2 barrel carburetor, dual exhaust with mag rims. To set it off! Johnnie installed rear air shocks to slightly lift the car to give it a balanced look rather than the manufacturer design where the front was higher than the rear. It was HOT!
Hawk had acquired firsthand business knowledge on how to start, develop and grow a business working for his father’s successful lawn care business.
So it was no surprise when Johnnie hired my computer startup company to automate his trash collection service. As a matter of fact, Hawk was the first small trash collection business in Columbus to automate its accounts receivables. I know because I had personally contacted; in Columbus, every small business in the rubbish industry.
Johnnie’s decision to employ the new computer technology I believe was driven by his business insight and his competitive nature to keep pace with his rivals.
Oh I almost forgot to mention the football rival game that the Hague Avenue crew played against our opponents representing from Wayne Avenue all the way to Whitethorne. I can’t remember who won but we had a blast!
Finally, like many others who knew Hawkins, I feel proud knowing Johnnie Hawkins (Hawk) was my friend!
Rod Hughes
Carlotta, Keisha,
Jameel, Aja, Paulette,
Barbara Ann, Tommy https://open.spotify.com/track/0nIAfLJFRMrpiV8O4VmL03?si=R6nFyMs-QAaf0l4sLE6zJw
I knew John Hawkins Jr for a relatively short time but quickly understood why so many of my colleagues considered him the Man of Hour, everyday and all the time, Because he was! John will be Surely Missed by every life he touched. I Offer My Sincere Condolences to All His Family, Friends and Love Ones. My God give us the strength to carry on, in Jesus Name, Amen.
Keisha and The Entire Hawkins Family & Friends,
My family sends our heartfelt condolences to you at this time of sorrow during the loss of “The King “ of your close knit, beautiful family. I have always been fond of Mr. Hawkins and the sincere love ❤️ he has had for his family. He demonstrated the real meaning of being a true provider, soldier, committed husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle dedicated to his loving family. I met Keisha when I moved to Easthaven. When my realtor and I pulled up, I remember Keisha and the twins were outside playing. I think the twins was maybe 3 years old at the time. Not even looking at the condo, I decided I wanted it. Keisha and I was single parents raising our babies. I remember the relationship Keisha and her father had, and I was very fond of it. It breaks my heart that I am just finding out of Mr. Hawkins passing. I would’ve been there. Keisha I apologize because I know we have always supported each other at times like this. Living away from Columbus, if it wasn’t for Facebook, I wouldn’t know anything. Praying for you Keisha, I know how much your father meant to you. He was a dream father that any Princess would wish for. May his unspeakable love and memories carry you with blessed memories knowing you had “One of The Best Fathers” on this Earth. AjaNae, Don-Don and I send our sincere condolences to you and The Hawkins Family. Aja, Amari and Jameel, I’m so sorry. Mrs. Hawkins you were Blessed . We love ❤️ Keisha Always. Again, I apologize ❤️
Carlotta, Keisha, Jameel & Family
Our deepest Condolences to you and all of your family. Our Hearts are broken for the Loss of Johnny to this world. We were truly Blessed to have Johnny as a Friend. He was a Hard woking Kind Hearted man with a deep Love for his family. I remember many years ago Jonny showing me a picture of the twins and saying to him how beautiful they were. He gave me the picture from his wallet , I brought it home and put it in a frame and put it my bookcase, its still there today. There are so many memories of this lovely man.
James & Deborah Henderson