John Gude

John was born in Elmira, New York on October 11, 1955, and he grew up in Horseheads, New York. As a teenager, he moved to Florida with his family, and he graduated from high school in Dunnellon, Florida. In 1975, John married Jennifer in Ocala, Florida, and they raised 4 children in Gainesville, Florida before moving to Jackson, Tennessee in 2004.

John worked in sales for his entire career, including running his own janitorial supplies company, then in cleaning supplies and textbooks. John excelled in sales because of his penchant for people. He always had a story, and he loved to tell them to all who wanted to listen. For most of his life, John was ready to have a good time, and he had many friends. John was a committed grandfather with 8 grandkids, including 3 in Jackson, and he spent much of his time following their exploits and encouraging them in sports and academics. John also loved dogs, and he always had at least one canine companion. John bled orange and blue and followed Florida gator athletics religiously. The 2025 national champion gator men’s basketball team was a great source of joy for John in his last year, even though the gator football team was not! John will be remembered for his humor, long speeches about politics, and unwavering support for family and friends.

John is survived by his wife of 50 years, Jennifer Gude; his son, Justin Gude (Patty) of Helena, Montana; and two daughters, Jill Akins (Jeff) of Catawba, South Carolina and Jamie Williamson of Jackson, Tennessee; and his brother Jimmy Gude of South China, Maine. John is preceded in death by his parents Irene and Albert Gude, his sisters Josephine Langdon and Jackie Andrade, his son Josh Gude, and his daughter Jessica Gude.

No services will be held at this time, but the family will celebrate his life with a casino night while they are together over the holidays.