John Anthony Narcum, 72, of Southern Pines, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2025, with his adoring wife Donna by his side.

John was born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, on September 14, 1952, the son of the late Edward J. Narcum and Mary Grady Narcum. He attended Catholic school before attending the US Naval Academy where he played football, made lifelong friendships and met Donna, the love of his life. After graduation, he served in the Navy with distinction and earned his Master’s Degree from University of Southern California.

After the Navy, John’s business career led him to Pepsi and carried him and his family from Hawaii across the country to Texas, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Connecticut. Despite all of his success in business his proudest accomplishments were his two sons. Whether as a husband, father, brother, uncle, or friend, John was the one who showed up: if someone needed help, a move, or support during hard times, he was always there.

A lifelong athlete and an avid sports fan, John played and coached sports well into his 40s. Even in his 70s he could often be found playing football in the yard with his grandkids. He never missed the Army-Navy football game or a Philadelphia Eagles game if he could help it.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Donna; his sons David (Lina) and Drew (Krista); five grandchildren: Greta, Hadley, Dominik, Jacob, and Kellan; and his siblings Edward (Kathy) Narcum, Barbara (Laurence) Ergood, Robert (Ann) Narcum, and Suzanne (Michael) Ioffreda.

John was an inspiration to many. He was kind, generous, wise, faithful and a truly amazing man. The light in his eyes and his gentle smile will never be forgotten. He was a role model and a rock for his family and always put others before himself. No matter what he did, he did it well. He will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.

A viewing will be held at Nativity BVM on Saturday, September 20, at 9:30 am, followed by a funeral Mass at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, his family asks that you honor him by donating to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, The Fisher House, or Wounded Warrior Project.

Online condolences may be left at bolesfuneralhome.com.

Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines, N.C., and Cavanagh Funeral Home of Media, Penn.