John Victor Jokinen

John Victor Jokinen, 81, died on June 28, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He passed as he livedwith courage, grace, and integrity.

John was the youngest child of the late Uno Alvar Jokinen and Rachel Porthan Jokinen. He was preceded in death by his sister, Joan Jokinen Tate, and his brother, Robert Jokinen.

Johns family roots were deeply Finnish. His grandfather emigrated first from Finland to the United States, followed by his grandmother, who courageously navigated Ellis Island alone with her childrenspeaking no English and armed only with perseverance. This spirit of grit and determination, known in Finnish as Sisu, became a defining thread through Johns life.

Johns grandparents later settled in Ely, Minnesota, where his parents grew up before relocating to DeLand, Florida to raise their own family. There, John thrived in both academics and athleticsstarting in Little League and culminating in a senior-year State Championship in baseball. He graduated as Salutatorian from DeLand High School in 1961 and was later inducted into the DeLand High School Sports Hall of Fame, where his children and grandchildren cheered him on.

John went on to attend the University of Florida, graduating in 1965. A proud Gator for life, he served as president of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity during his junior and senior years. He rarely missed watching the Gators play and especially enjoyed celebrating their most recent NCAA mens basketball national championship. During his final illness, Johns family made sure he was never without his beloved Gator socks and pajamas. He also remained a lifelong fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers and Atlanta Braves.

Growing up along the banks of the St. Johns River in DeLand, John developed an early fascination with Cypress wood as he watched massive trees float downstream to be processed at the mills his father managed. That childhood experience sparked a passion that would guide his distinguished career in fine furnituremost notably as co-founder of E.J. Victor.

After college, John joined Simmons Company as a sales representative. His first territory was in Albany, Georgia, where he met Huntie Hall, a high school teacher. They married in 1967. After 12 years with Simmons, John joined Henredon Furniture in Morganton, NC, in 1979. He credited his mentor, Henredon president William E. Smith, for shaping his knowledge of the furniture industry.

As the industry changed in the late 1980s and early 1990s, John made the bold decision to start a new company. In 1989, John, Edward W. Phifer, III, and Joseph B. Manderson co-founded E.J.Victor, with instrumental support from George D. Johnson, Jr., Stewart Johnson and Dan Breeden. They persuasively recruited retired Henredon executive M.C. Talley, who selected equipment and personnel and provided trusted advice. Johns leadership, vision and perseverance were pivotal to E.J. Victor becoming one of the premier furniture manufacturers in the United States. The company reflected Johns principles of integrity, fairness, and a deep appreciation for customer relationships and the dedicated employees.

John was a faithful member of Grace Episcopal Church, where he served on the Vestry, as a lay reader, and as chairman of the Stewardship Campaign. He also served on the Grace Hospital Board and was the first Chairman of the Grace Healthcare Foundation.

He enjoyed hunting in the Carolinas and South Georgia, and cherished the days fishing with his grandchildren at Pawleys Island, South Carolina.

John was an encourager and mentornot just to future furniture leaders, but to young athletes and aspiring professionals. He was a role model to his children and grandchildren, who lovingly called him Big John. He lived with humility and grace, never seeking attention and always inspiring those around him.

Johns journeyfrom the banks of the St. Johns River to the foothills of Western North Carolinawas marked by 58 remarkable years in the furniture industry. His legacy of Sisu, generosity, and strength will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

John is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Huntie Hall Jokinen; his daughter, Jeanne Jokinen Bradshaw (Michael); his son, John Hunter Jokinen (Meg); and his grandchildren: Hall, Smith, Hayden, and Cooper Bradshaw, and Thomas and Robert Jokinen. He is also survived by his sister, Joyce Jokinen Sims (Dave); sister-in-law, Mimi Langley Conner (Frank); and nine nieces and nephews.

The family expresses deep gratitude to Dr. Jennifer Atlas (Levine Cancer Institute, Charlotte), Dr. Greg Jones (UNC Health Blue Ridge), Dr. Keith Smith (Burke Primary Care), the Amorem Hospice Team, and Johns compassionate caregivers: Denise, Martha, Grace, and Tiffany.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, July 17, 2025 at Grace Episcopal Church, 303 South King Street, Morganton, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Grace Episcopal Church Endowment, 303 South King Street, Morganton, NC 28655 or Amorem Hospice, 902 Kirkwood Street, Lenoir, NC 28645.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Visitation

July 17, 2025
3 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Grace Episcopal Church

Service

July 17, 2025
2 p.m.

Grace Episcopal Church

Committal

N/A