John P. Christie

John P. Christie, age 83, passed away peacefully into the arms of his Savior on April 24, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Visitation will be held on May 2, from 9-10:30 a.m. with Pastor Sherry Stevenson officiating at Crossbridge Community Church. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. at the church. Private burial will be at Oakwood Memorial Park.

The youngest of three children, he was born March 7, 1943 in Watertown, WI, to the late Harold and Evangeline Christie.

As we remember John, three great loves come to mind that carried him through his life: music, family and his faith in our Lord.

John grew up in Pontiac, Illinois, where he discovered his gift for and love of music, first as a trumpet player at Pontiac High School, then at the University of Illinois in the Marching Illini. He continued to pursue this passion by becoming a music educator. John received his Bachelors of Science in Education and Masters of Arts in Music from Eastern Illinois University.

Dedicating his life to music education, John spent 34 years guiding grade school students on choosing instruments, learning to read and play music and developing excellent band programs. He impacted the lives of hundreds of students as a band director at Shepherd Middle School in Ottawa, IL and Highland Middle School in Libertyville, IL. John received the Chicagoland Outstanding Music Educators Award in 1998 and in 2006 he was chosen as the Outstanding Bandmaster Award by Phi Beta Mu. He is a past president of the Illinois Music Educators Association District 2 and a past chairperson of the Illinois Grade School Music Association District 7. John also enjoyed his years playing trumpet in the Libertyville Community Band, the College of Lake County Wind Ensemble, the Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra and the Illinois Valley Community College Wind Ensemble.

During his time as a university student, John found the love of his life, Joy Ann Read. John and Joy first met as counselors at a church camp and were later set up on a double date by friends. They were constant companions and best friends. Their wedding took place on June 4, 1966, at the Brookfield Presbyterian Church east of Grand Ridge. John and Joy started their lives as educators before welcoming their two children, Brian Read & Allison Ann. Many fond memories were made camping, visiting Apple Canyon, fishing, going to concerts, and vacationing out west. In more recent years, John delighted in being a proud Grandpa, showing support at band concerts, basketball & soccer games, dance recitals and musicals. We hold these family memories dear.

At the center John's life was the steady current of his faith in our Lord, Jesus Christ.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Charles & Marcia Christie; his sister and brother-in-law, Gail & Sid Pray; Joy's parent's Frank & Ruth Read; Joy's brother, Linn Read; Joy's sister & brother-in-law, Ruth & Larry Gage.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Joy Read Christie, his son, Brian (Beth) Christie of Cedar Lake, IN, his daughter, Allison (Mike) Mueller of Crystal Lake, IL, his 4 beloved grandchildren, Ethan Read, Jillian Ruth, Molly Rae and Hope Ann, his nieces and nephews, Charles (Gabriela) Christie Jr., Linda Christie, Scott (Mary-Rachel) Pray, Daniel Pray, Laurie Gage, Read Gage, Bruce (Cheryl) Gage, Curt (Lori) Read and grand-nephew, David (Kelly) Gage, and grand-nieces, Kaylee Read and Karie (Dan) Stecken.

Memorials may be made to the United Students Ministry at Crossbridge Church or to the band program at Shepherd Middle School, both in Ottawa, IL.