AMBOY – It is with great sadness that the family of John Aaron Vivian, 52, of Alexandria, Virginia announces his passing on October 21, 2024.

There will be a remembrance ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 9 at Mihm-Jones Funeral Home at 303 East Main Street, Amboy. Visitation will be from 9 a.m.-11 a.m., followed by a service, then burial at Woodside Cemetery in Lee Center. A Celebration of Life will begin immediately following services at John’s favorite local restaurant, Long Branch Saloon. A meal will be provided, and all friends and family are welcome to attend. 

In lieu of flowers, his family requests contributions in John’s memory to the Ashton-Franklin Center Athletics Department at 611 Western Ave, Ashton, Il 61006. Condolences can be left at www.thejonesfh.com.

John was born on May 4, 1972, in Dixon, and grew up in Amboy. He attended Franklin Center High School where he played football and basketball. He excelled academically and athletically, ranging from FFA Section Vice President to being a high school class officer, demonstrating his life-long drive and ambition.

John attended the University of Illinois and graduated with a degree in Economics. While in college, he tried out for the Illinois basketball team as a walk on and played for the Fighting Illini for two years He pledged in his first semester and became a brother of Sigma Pi. Returning to his alma mater years later, he received an Executive MBA with honors. John excelled in his professional career, working 22 years with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency both in Illinois and at headquarters in Washington, D.C. and then as a consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers.

An athlete and avid runner throughout his life, John enjoyed watching sports and cheering on his favorite sports and cheering on his favorite teams, the Cubs, Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls, and his beloved Illini. He enjoyed attending games and concerts with his life-long friends and extended family, particularly his cousins. His friends will always remember his wonderful smile, mischievous wit, and infectious laugh.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Delores White. John is survived by children Andrew, Claire, Mark, and Adam, all of Woodbridge, Virginia; his former spouse Cynthia and mother of their four amazing children; his father, Robert Vivian (Glenda) of Amboy, Illinois; brother, Jay Vivian (Carolyn) of Shawnee, Kansas; sister, Jennifer Vivian of Madison, Wisconsin; and nephews and nieces- Grace Vivian, and Jake, Colin, and Hope Kaecker.