John Christian Obituary

Christian, III John Wortham, 72, of Richmond, Va. , passed away peacefully and uncharacteristically quiet, on Sunday morning October 1, 2023, at his home that he loved. His 22-year private struggle with prostate cancer won the final war however not without the bravest, most courageous, and heroic battle possible. Born May 28, 1951, beloved only son of Pauline Kittrell Christian and John Wortham Christian, Jr. As a child, Richmond was a wonderful place to live and his parents' love of travel, the arts, music, and theater provided early opportunities to see and experience the world on a broad scale. After four years at his cherished alma mater, Duke University, and celebrating his marriage at the Duke Chapel upon his graduation, he and his only true love and soul mate, Sandra, began their life's adventure in New York. Following in his father's retailing footsteps, John began his career with Bloomingdale's where international travel was part of his buying, merchandising, and eventual VP of Contemporary apparel roles. New designers like Kenzo, Willie Smith, and Liz Claiborne were starting fledgling businesses at the time. John met Liz at the Mineola, Long Island train station at the very start of her business and helped carry her "little trunks" to the Bloomingdale's trunk show venue that day. He had a keen understanding of what the women's wear market needed and what young women wanted in apparel in the 70s and 80s. He traveled across Europe, the Far East, Southeast Asia, and India to find new, unique, and special craftsman that just needed a little individual attention on their work to blossom. That overwhelming desire to see the world transcended his life. He and Sandra loved New York, however an opportunity to move to San Francisco with I. Magnin, a west-coast fine apparel chain of stores, lured them west. John rose through the ranks to become VP & General Merchandise Manager of the I. Magnin chain. After years in New York and San Francisco and the births of two children, John returned to Richmond to help run a family-owned business, Datastor, Inc. The energy, enthusiasm, and vitality John exuded for life was made even more poignant by the diagnosis of cancer at the age of 50. His approach to this early diagnosis was to attack his disease head on. New research, treatments, medication, and clinical trials were explored and utilized to the fullest. John never stopped living his life regardless of his health challenges. Running the business and chairing the American Records Storage Management Committee, while eagerly traveling to the many off the beaten path destinations he so wanted to see. . . Myanmar, Bhutan, India, Fiji, Nepal, and Thailand just to name a few, John lived every minute of the adventure as if it might be his last. His overwhelming desire to meet new, diverse people and experience their varied cultures and appreciate all that the world has to offer instilled that same love of travel and exploration in his own children. The legacy John leaves is one of pushing the boundaries, continuing the fight, living a complete and loving life filled with joy, love, and family. Who could ask for more? John is survived by his wife of 50+ years, Sandra Higgins Christian; son, John W. Christian IV; daughter, Katherine Christian Wall (Whitfield); sister, Anne Christian Collins (Ted); and adored grandchildren - Caroline, Coleman, Annie, and Eliza. A service of celebration will be held at 2 p. m. on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 6000 Grove Avenue, Richmond, Va. 23226. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, 1250 Fourth Street, Santa Monica, Ca. 90401 (1-800-757-CURE). . We must find a cure. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of , please .