Celebrating the life of
John B. Bishop
Passed away on September 14, 2025
John Byram Bishop
Savannah, GA - John Byram Bishop, who used his intellect to contribute to many Savannah non-profit organizations in his retirement years, passed away on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at Memorial Medical Center, Savannah, Georgia, following a heart attack at home.
Born in Wilmington, Delaware, he was the son of Robert Bradford Bishop and Ruth Cary Byram Bishop. John spent his formative years on his family property, Lanes End in Landenburg, Pennsylvania, the family seat of his maternal grandmother.
He was educated at The Wilmington Friends School, followed by Phillips Andover Academy and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania.
John played football his freshman year at Penn, and was a member of Delta Phi fraternity as well as St. Elmo.
After graduation he served with the 174th Assault Helicopter Company in Vietnam as an Army pilot. When his helicopter was shot down, he spent three days in the jungle, and after being rescued was interviewed on national television by David Brinkley.
John received the Silver Star a prestigious honor recognizing exceptional bravery and service. It is awarded to military personnel who demonstrate extraordinary heroism in combat. He finished his military career with the rank of Captain.
He met his wife, Patricia before going to Vietnam, and they were married within two weeks of his return, enjoying 54 years of marriage. Everyone who knew them both, recognized that theirs was a love story for the ages, including John’s endless support of his wife’s professional career.
After he returned from Vietnam, he became a Trust Officer for the Citizens & Southern Bank, and with his partner, the late Lee Ashcraft, founded and published the first magazine in Savannah called Coastal Quarterly. It featured articles on the South and Southern Coastal living, highlighting many local, talented writers. The magazine was the precursor of The Savannah Magazine.
John retired from Memorial Medical Center in Human Resources, and began a happy retirement as a voracious reader and active supporter of the Senior Citizens Learning Center, including serving on the Advisory Board.
He was also a popular and sought after lecturer; served as Vice-President of the Downtown Neighborhood Association; the board of the Savannah Jazz Association; and the board of the former Savannah Science Museum.
He was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Savannah’s Historic District, and a member of his monthly men's group, The Rumpsteak Club.
John is survived by his loving wife Patricia Tanner Bishop of Savannah and Liberty County; sisters, Cary Bishop Zimmerman of Milford, Massachusetts; Amy Elizabeth Bishop Dewey (Charlie) of Denver Colorado; and his sister-in law Debbie Smith and her husband, James Emory Smith, Jr. of Sunbury, Georgia.
He dearly loved his nieces Emma Zimmerman of Milford, Mass; Caitlyn Dewey Roberts (Nathan) of Denver Colorado; and his nephew James Emory (Tripp) Smith III of Sunbury Georgia.
His brother Thomas Bradford Bishop predeceased him in 2011.
There will be a private graveside service and a Celebration of Life at a later time. Please direct any memorials to the Humane Society of Savannah or Second Harvest Food Bank.
I am so sorry for your loss Patricia, We love you the poole family John was a great person. He will be truly missed by all of us.
- Bradley J Poole, Marcia and Buddy poole, Kingsland, GA
Patricia, I am very sorry for your loss. I remember the numerous visits John made to my parents business (ARCO) over the years. He always had a smile and kind words. I have not forgotten the kindness you extended to me as well. Prayers for you and your family to find peace in your memories and your faith. Renee A. Grotheer
- Arsenault/Grotheer, Jacksonville, Florida
Sorry to hear of Johns passing
- Anthony M Alfonso, Savannah, Georgia
I was so sorry to learn of John's passing. My most sincere Condolences. I had only been in contact with John a little over 2 years through Messenger. I served in the 174th AHC in Vietnam at Chu Lai late 1971 and did not know John then. I will add John's name tape to the 174th AHC's Flag Of Honor.
- Mel Lutgring, Lafayette, LA
Patricia, thinking of you.
- Tony Field , Saint Simons o, Ga
John was incredibly kind to me when I moved to Savannah 4 years ago. He really set an example of what it is to be a good neighbor and even better person. I am honored to have known him. All of my love to his family.
- Jeffrey Dawson, Savannah, GA
John Bishop was shot down the day before me in 1971 and he walked out of Laos. He and I went on R&R back to the states and returned together by using military hops. He and Patricia also gave Janet and I a personal tour of Savanaha. He was my friend!
- Ralph E. Elliott III (Butch), Jacksonville, FL
Patricia - Though we are far away, we send warm hugs. We support and love you in your time of loss. Pat and Frank Breslin.
- Pat and Frank Breslin, Rye, Nh
Patricia - Though we are far away, we send warm hugs. We support and love you in your time of loss. Pat and Frank Breslin.
- Pat and Frank Breslin, Rye, Nh
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced.
