MR. JOHN CHASE, JR.
1953-2019
The Honorable John Saunders Chase, Jr., was born in Houston, Texas on January 2, 1953, the oldest son of Drucie and John Saunders Chase. After celebrating many happy years of life, he went to his final rest on his birthday, January 2, 2019.
A life-long Houstonian, John attended public elementary and middle schools and graduated from Strake Jesuit College Preparatory School. John’s passion for politics led him to pursue a degree in Political Science from Rice University and a law degree from the University of Houston Law Center. He began his professional career in banking, but his interest in politics called him to become involved in the mayoral campaigns of Fred Hofheinz and Kathy Whitmire. He proudly served in both administrations. For a period of time, he operated his own private law practice. He was honored to be appointed to serve as a Municipal Judge for the City of Houston where he served for many years. At the time of his passing, he was continuing his work in public service as the Administration Manager for Security and Emergency Preparedness at Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport and served as an adjunct professor at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law.
John was a loving and devoted husband, son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. Nine years older than his sister Saundria, he doted on her as they were growing up. He and his brother Anthony shared a love of sports, barbeque and politics. John was the wise uncle that the kids enjoyed talking to when they needed advice about life, school or sports. He was a good listener and always had a kind word for everyone he encountered. He and his mother talked daily and he visited with her frequently, talking about everything from international politics to local issues. He enjoyed food, traveling and movies, but had a special place in his heart for the Houston Texans and was a longtime season ticket holder.
In 2009 he married the love of his life, Brenda Peters and together they enjoyed a life filled with family, community and social events. Brenda serves as a member of the board of the Ensemble Theater and John enjoyed supporting the many programs and activities in which she was involved. During their marriage, Brenda and John traveled extensively, together and with family. One of their most treasured vacations was a trip to Disney World with his nieces and nephew. John enjoyed Disney World just as much as the kids.
John was preceded in death by his father, John Saunders Chase. He is survived by his devoted wife Brenda PetersChase, his mother Drucie Chase, his step daughter Christina Martin, his brother Anthony (Dina) and sister Saundria (Jerome). He also enjoyed close relationships with his nieces and nephews Asa, Chase, Jordan, Grace and Abyssinia (Kat). He also leaves to cherish his memory a host of relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Life for John S. Chase will be held on Tuesday, January 8, 2019, at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 500 Clay Street, Houston, Texas 77002. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m-12:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at noon and the Interment will follow at Forest Park Lawndale, 6900 Lawndale, Houston, Texas, under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home, Inc.,