Remembering John Everett Oliver, Jr.

Leland, North Carolina, September 26, 2025

News Summary

John Everett Oliver, Jr. passed away suddenly at his home in Leland, North Carolina. Known as ‘J.O.’ to friends and ‘Jack’ to family, he dedicated 40 years to NOAA and left behind a legacy of leadership and environmental stewardship. A devoted sports fan and bourbon enthusiast, John’s memory will be celebrated with events in multiple locations, supporting charitable causes in lieu of flowers.

Leland, North Carolina – John Everett Oliver, Jr. passed away suddenly on September 5, 2025, at home in Leland, North Carolina. He was 75 years old at the time of his death. John was affectionately known as “J.O.” among friends and “Jack” by his family.

Born on April 21, 1950, in Washington, D.C., he was the son of Erma Opal Lynch and John E. Oliver, Sr. John grew up in Kensington, Maryland, where he attended Albert Einstein High School, graduating in 1968. He was a member of the 1967 championship baseball team at Albert Einstein, which was inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017 for having a perfect season.

Following high school, John attended the University of Maryland, College Park. From 1971 to 1977, he served in the U.S. Army Reserves at Fort Meade. John had a distinguished 40-year career with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), retiring in 2011 as the deputy assistant administrator of the National Marine Fisheries Service.

John started his career at NOAA as a payroll clerk in 1973, eventually ascending through various roles, including chief financial officer for the National Ocean Service. He joined the Senior Executive Service in 1998 and received numerous professional awards throughout his career, including the 2008 Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Senior Executive Service. He was widely regarded as a leader and mentor within NOAA, known for his integrity, accessibility in crisis situations, and strong camaraderie with colleagues.

It was at a NOAA-sponsored trip to a Baltimore Orioles game where John met his wife, Cheryl. The couple married on February 29, 2004, in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Following their retirement, they made Leland, North Carolina, their home, where they became active supporters of local charities and East Carolina University’s Coastal Studies Institute.

An avid sports fan, John was particularly passionate about the Washington Commanders, attending four Super Bowls and never missing a home game for 40 years. He also had a fondness for bourbon, especially Maker’s Mark, and enjoyed sharing bourbon tastings with visitors. Additionally, John had a keen interest in World War II history, traveling with Cheryl to important historical sites for D-Day and VE-Day anniversaries.

John is survived by his wife of 21 years, Cheryl Ann Oliver, his sisters and their spouses, his mother-in-law, and a large extended family in Virginia. Celebration of life events are planned in Leland, Silver Spring, and Hixburg. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory can be made to the National WWII Museum in New Orleans or East Carolina University Coastal Studies Institute.

Legacy

John Everett Oliver, Jr. is remembered for his dedication to environmental stewardship, leadership, and the lasting friendships he built throughout his life. His contributions to NOAA and his community exemplify a commitment to service and excellence.

Details for Celebration of Life Events

• Location: Leland, North Carolina
• Location: Silver Spring, Maryland
• Location: Hixburg, Virginia

Donation Information

In John’s memory, donations can be made to:

• The National WWII Museum in New Orleans
• East Carolina University Coastal Studies Institute

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Explore the Beauty and Adventure of Outer Banks, North Carolina
Remembering John Everett Oliver, Jr.: A Legacy of Environmental Stewardship

Additional Resources

• Andrews Mortuary: Gary Scheer
• Wikipedia: Obituary
• Legacy: Patsy Weber
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
• Andrews Mortuary: Joyce Garst
• Google Search: Obituary News
• Dignity Memorial: Regina Horrell
• Google Scholar: Obituary
• Legacy: William Carne
• Google News: Obituary

Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER

The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.