John Mitchell Inman, 86, passed away September 19, 2022 . John, a loving and devoted husband and father, was a native of South Carolina and lived there throughout his childhood until enlisting in the United States Air Force where he was stationed in Texas. After serving his 4-year commitment to the Air Force, John moved to Virginia where his family had relocated. Shortly after moving to Virginia, he met his wife Barbara and they were married a couple years later. They had a wonderful mutual love that lasted a lifetime. After marriage the couple moved to Blacksburg, where John attended Virginia Tech and earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering. Once John completed his studies the couple moved to Norfolk where he accepted a job with the Ford Motor Company as a plant engineer. While living in Norfolk their son David was born. After several years working as a plant engineer in other locations in Virginia, including Lynchburg and Winchester, John and Barbara returned to the tidewater area nearly 50 years ago, settling in Hampton. After his private sector career, John ultimately accepted a position with NASA at the Langley Research Center in Hampton. Over his nearly 20 years at NASA, he advanced to the Deputy Director level before retiring. John particularly enjoyed staying active by regularly playing bridge, bowling, and golfing with friends. He and Barbara also enjoyed sailing and boating, hosting family holiday gatherings, and socializing with friends and neighbors, In retirement John enjoyed traveling with Barbara around the country in their motor coach and traveling internationally to places such as China, Africa, Greece, and Russia, amongst others. He was also very fond of their winter home in Naples Florida and the time spent there with friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Vernon E. and Edith S. Inman, and his wife Barbara. He is survived by his son David Inman and sister Ione Tabor.

The family will receive friends at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home in Hampton on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 from 6-7PM. A memorial service followed by a celebration of life reception will be held at 2PM on Wednesday, September 28, 2022 at the First Presbyterian Church in Hampton.

A private family graveside service will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Norfolk.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations in the name of John Mitchell Inman be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Hampton VA.

Mail checks to:

First Presbyterian Church of Hampton

514 S. Armistead Ave.

Hampton, VA 23669

Please include John Inman memorial gift memo on check