John passed from multiple medical issues at age 64 on December 8, 2022, at Sentara in Charlottesville, Virginia. Next spring his family will have a celebration of his life at a yet to be determined place and date.

He was born in West Virginia and was adopted by Charles J. and Elsie Strader who provided him with a loving childhood in Barboursville, Virginia where he lived for 62 years.

His wife, Pam Gayle Strader, of 36 years survives him.

Whatever pursuit John followed during his life, whether vocational or advocational, he went after with passion.

He worked at American Press for 16 years as an IT person. His lifelong professional passion was

as a photographer. In that role he worked for the Orange County Review, as a freelance photographer, and for National Geographic. Many accolades came his way with numerous awards, including an exhibition of his work at Woodberry Forest School.

John never met a person he did not like. There were no strangers in his life, always ready with a broad smile and handshake.

Hobbies consuming John’s vast array of interests included fishing, horseshoes, and playing guitar. His last passion was ham radio for which he studied and passed two levels of ham radio licensing in 2022 and began broadcasting in 2022 under the call sign K4 JES.

On top of his avocation list and his main happy place was outdoor cooking, whether over a fire, over a propane stove, or a turkey in boiling peanut oil – it all came out perfectly.

John’s acceptance of all humanity and generosity will be missed by all who were blessed to be his friend.

Arrangements made by Preddy’s Funeral Home, Gordonsville.