John Arthur Bland

John Arthur Bland peacefully transitioned to eternal peace to be with his Lord and
Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, May 6, 2021. He was born on July 23, 1944, in King
George, Virginia to the late Levi and Sadie Bland. John attended Ralph Bunche High
School and upon graduating, he moved to Washington D.C. and began working at
Western Electric. Later, John joined the Washington Metro Area Transit Authority
(WMATA), where he dedicated 26 years of services as a bus operator and mechanic.
In 1968, he married the former Jacqueline Swann. Together they successfully raised
their two children, Eric and Tracy Bland. John was a hard worker and always made sure
that his family was well provided for.
An avid cook, John was also known as the “Grill Master” and his infamous chicken and
baked beans were always requested! He was never too far from music (the oldies but
goodies), and loved watching football, basketball, and boxing. John was a LOYAL fan of
the Washington Football Team. During his retirement, he enjoyed watching old western
movies and television shows, specifically Bonanza and Gun Smoke. John also took joy in
routinely contacting his extended family and friends, to check on their well-being, share
some laughter and reminisce about the “good-old-days”.
John leaves many to cherish his memory, including his dedicated wife of
almost 53 years, Jackie, children, Eric and Tracy (whom he affectionately called Boo),
daughter-in-law, LaShon and grandchildren, Trinity, Tiffany, Noah, and Gabriella; four
siblings, Lena Bumbry (Veola), Robert Bland (Marie), James Bland (Yvonne) and
Blanche Chapman (John); three aunts, Ida Bertha Hodge, Alice Pryor and Lenora
Bland; three sisters-in-law, Louise Bland, Gloria Dent and Karen Savoy. John also had
special relationships with his niece, Lisa Chapman and great-nephews, Joel “Joey” Davis
and the late Jonathan Chapman. He loved his family and was a fun-loving relative to a
host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his late brother,
Frank Bland and his best friends/in-laws, Tony Savoy, Eugene Swann, and wife,
Delores.
As a man who loved people, John will be missed by those he touched, but the memories
will remain alive in their hearts as they carry on his legacy.