It is with deep regret we report the passing of American Legion Post 372 Senior Vice Commander, John "JC" Christ on October 11, 2020.

Senior Master Sgt. John E. Christ was the superintendent, drum major and trombonist with the Air National Guard Band of the Northeast. Originally from Jim Thorpe, Pa., his Air Force career began in 1989.

Sergeant Christ graduated Cum Laude from Kutztown University, Kutztown, Pa., receiving a bachelor's degree in business administration with a minor in music. As drum major for the Air National Guard Band of the Northeast, he has paraded the band in high-profile events down the main boulevards of Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and other major cities both CONUS and OCONUS, before tens of thousands of onlookers.

 In his civilian career, he worked for Steward Financial Services, located in Maple Shade, N.J. He has served as councilman and on the planning commission for the borough of Hummelstown. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Institute of Management Accountants.

Sergeant Christ began his military career in the United States Army in 1985, and was assigned to the 8th Infantry Division (Mechanized) Band at Bad Kreuznach, Germany. He was a member of the 307th Army Reserve Band in Willow Grove,Pa. He transferred to the Air National Guard, and became a member of the Air National Guard Band of the Northeast in 1989. He is a graduate of the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Academy correspondence course, the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy correspondence course, the Combat Lifesaver Course at the 8th Infantry Division in Bad Kreuznach, and the School of Music Basic Course at the Naval Amphibious Base in Norfolk, Va.

Sergeant Christ's awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal; the Air Force Commendation Medal; Army Commendation Medal; the Air Force Achievement Medal, with one oak leaf cluster; the Army Achievement Medal; the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, with four oak leaf clusters; the Army Good Conduct Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; the National Defense Service Medal, with one bronze star; and the Army Overseas Service Ribbon.

Friends and family are welcome to attend his viewing on Thursday, October 15, 2020, from 2:00-6:00PM, followed immediately by a service, both at Mount Laurel Home for Funerals, 212 Ark Road, Mount Laurel, NJ, 08054. Interment at later date at Arlington Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Independence Chapter of Nam Knights, 73 Tarnsfield Road Westampton, NJ 08060.

** Update - Services to be held at Arlington Cemetery on Thursday, May 26, 2022. More details to follow **