John Robert Gentry Jr.

John Robert Gentry Jr. was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on November 16, 1948, to the union of Martha Jane (Bacon) and John R. Gentry Sr. After 75 years and four months of living a purposefilled life, John joined the universe on March 26, 2024. He was the first child born to the Gentry’s and the best older brother to his sister, Deborah. He attended Indianapolis Public Schools and graduated from Shortridge High School. In 1971 he left to serve his country during the Vietnam Conflict. His tour of duty took him to Germany and to Seoul Korea, where he spent most of his service time. His last tour of duty assignment was in Fort Riley, Kansas, which was followed by an honorable discharge in 1974. John, who was also a decorated marksman, spent his time in the U.S. Army as an official photographer. Once he returned home, his talent earned him a position with The Indianapolis Star News. He worked for the Star for 20 years, photographing everything from breaking news, sports, and The Indianapolis 500 to New York fashion week. John, through the lens of his camera, introduced Star readers to people, events, tragedy and the beauty around them. He was blessed with God-given talent his family believed was passed on by his maternal grandfather, who was also a photographer. After leaving the Star News, John started teaching photography. He took his students to the Grand Canyon annually for photo sessions for several years. He also taught photography at Indiana University/ Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI). Along with teaching, he served as the “preferred” photographer at IUPUI, where his photo exhibit is still on display in the Law School. John was also the “preferred” photographer for Indiana Supreme Court justices. He enjoyed mentoring young aspiring photographers…and artists. John, who was also an artist, enjoyed drawing and painting along with photography. His other many pastimes included meeting an array of friends regularly at Monon Coffee Shop, followed up by meeting his jazz loving friends of The Chatterbox. John enjoyed playing poker and listening to NPR radio daily. He was as grounded in his beliefs as he was as open to hearing and respecting the views of others. John attended First Meridian Heights Presbyterian Church, where he enjoyed singing in The Spirit Heart. His treasured role, however, was being a father to his three children: Jeri Noel Gentry, John Robert Gentry III and Carleigh Catherine Gentry. John was preceded in death by his father, John R. Gentry Sr.; his grandmother, Mary Gentry; maternal grandparents, Bessie and Issac Bacon and grandchild, Ashton Tyrel Gray. His spirit will forever be cherished by his son, John R. (Tammy) Gentry III; his daughters, Jeri Noel Gentry and Carleigh Catherine Gentry; his mother, Martha Jane Gentry; grandchildren, Artez, Malik, Antonio, Jordan, Ray’Lena, John IV, Jasmine, Louise, Morgan, and Jeana; his sister, Deborah (James) Davis ; niece, Randol Davis (Danny) Elam ; nephew James ( Joshua) Davis-Gilstrap. John will also be dearly missed by countless friends and students he touched throughout his journey. And each and every one he touched will take comfort in knowing that when it comes to John…”all is well with the universe.”