John Stanley Wassom of Rockwood completed the final chapter of his life story on February 21, 2010 at 68 years of age. His enjoyment of life, laughter, and people will be sorely missed by his large extended family and his wide circle of friends and colleagues. He was a great lover of reading and collector of books, especially those on science and the Civil War.
John was born in Spring City on May 1, 1941, as the son of the late Jesse and Hazel Wassom and remained a lifelong resident of East Tennessee. In grammar school, he developed a keen interest in science. He graduated from Spring City High School in 1959 and received the Bachelor of Science degree in biological sciences from Tennessee Technological University in 1963. He later completed graduate courses in genetics at the University of Tennessee School of Biomedical Sciences at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory. After college graduation, he served in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps from 1963 to 1965.
John was a scientist and administrator for more than 38 years at ORNL, where his work included genetic toxicology, mammalian genetics, and computational chemistry. He was director of the Environmental Mutagen and Teratogen Information Centers (EMIC and ETIC) supported by the National Institutes of Health. The EMIC group was instrumental in developing GENE-TOX, the Environmental Protection Agency’s most critically reviewed and evaluated toxicology database that contained genetic test results on more than 3,000 chemicals. John was a founding member of the Environmental Mutagen Society (EMS) and originator of DOE’s Low-Dose Radiation Research Program website and the Human Genome News. HGN was distributed worldwide and later expanded to a public technical communication and educational support website for the Human Genome Program. After retirement from ORNL in 2003, John joined the staff of YAHSGS and, later, Summitec Corporation.
John was highly respected by colleagues all over the world for his expertise in genetic toxicology and his visionary approaches to bioinformation management, and most especially, for the environmental toxicology information services he and his staff provided to the genetic toxicology community. He and his staff received the Environmental Mutagen Society's Alexander Hollaender Award for contributions made to the field of genetic toxicology and to the goals and mission of the Society and participated in 104 peer-reviewed publications. His interest in and concern about environmental chemicals, combined with his vision for the rapid dissemination of information to researchers and health professionals, was recognized as an early leader in modern information science. He served on the editorial board of Mutation Research from 1976 to 1980 and on its board of managing editors from 1981 to 2000. John also served on a number of working groups, including those appointed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer from 1972 to 1985 and the International Committee for Protection Against Environmental Mutagens and Carcinogens from 1972 to 1986.
His colleagues at EMIC and ETIC and within the EMS and birth defects scientific communities dearly loved John for his humility and kindness, as well as his wit and humor. He recently exhibited these qualities in an invited talk at the EMS 40th Annual Meeting in St. Louis, Missouri, where he described for the audience of distinguished scientists the beginnings of EMS and told anecdotes about his famous mentor, Dr. Alexander Hollaender, EMS founder and early director of ORNL.
John was also active within his community, where he and his wife, Judy Owings Wassom, participated in the beautification of Rockwood and helped to organize and host annual tours of the city’s historic homes through Rockwood 2000. These tours included reenactments of events from the Civil War, during which John enjoyed portraying Union General John T. Wilder, who settled in East Tennessee after the war. Wilder was the founders of Rockwood and the Roane Iron Company. John served on the Rockwood Housing Authority Board for 30 years and as chairman of the Rockwood Industrial Board for many years. He took office as Rockwood City Councilman in July 2009 and served on the Rockwood Electric Utility Board and the Airport Steering Committee.
Although he will be remembered for substantial contributions to his scientific field, his most valued contribution has been as a loving husband to Judy, father to Zoe', father-in-law to J.J., and grandfather to Jarrod, Joshua, Jackson, and Zoe'-Kate. He has loved and cared for every member of the Owings family as his own from the time he and Judy married and they have loved him as a son and brother. He has been their rock of strength and support through the years of joyous celebrations and deep tragedies. He has been our life coach and encourager helping us to find something to be grateful for and to laugh about regardless of the situation and celebrating our accomplishments, while rarely sharing his own. He was an active member of Rockwood United Methodist Church and he lived his faith daily.
He was preceded in death by his parents Jesse and Hazel Wassom and brother General Herbert Wassom. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Judy Wassom; his daughter Zoe' and son-in-law J.J. Neerman; grandchildren, Jarrod, Joshua, Jackson, and Zoe'-Kate Neerman all of Rockwood, TN; sister, Jackie and husband Don Hill of Chattanooga, TN; and many extended family members.
John Stanley Wassom will be remembered for his wisdom, compassion, humor, and unconditional love for family, friends, and colleagues.
Family will be receiving friends on Saturday, February 27th from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at The Rockwood United Methodist Church. The funeral will follow immediately afterwards. Graveside services and interment will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Rockwood with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Rockwood United Methodist Church or Rockwood 2000.
Guestbook Entries
Zoe,
You are a wonderful legacy from your parents.
Judy Wyrick (Oak Ridge, TN)
I was truly saddened to learn of Stan's struggle and passing. I was fortunate to have served with him for a time on the Rockwood Housing Authority Board. He took his service to the community seriously.
I admired and respected Stan and understand why he was loved by so many people.
May God hold his family close throughout this very sad time.
Cat Shaner (Former Rockwood Resident)
To the Wassom Family,
I am so sad hear of your loss. Please realize, it is not just your loss but a loss to all who knew Stan. On my recent visits to Rockwood, I enjoyed Stan's stories and contributions during Sunday School Classes. He will be missed. May you find comfort and peace through God's grace.
Teresa McNabb Schroeder (Bloomfield, CT)
I am so sorry for your loss.
Rhonda Watson (Rockwood, TN)
Judy, You were my Literature teacher at RCHS in 1969, I always admired you and and will always say if asked, who your favorite teacher and it will always be for me, Judy Wassom...I wish you peace and comfort in your time of grief.
Marvia Hall Cheek (Columbia, SC)
We are so very sorry for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers.
The Margraves (Harriman, TN)
My thoughts and prayers are with you Judy.
Sheila Calloway (Kingston, TN)
You and Your family are in my thoughts and prayers
Maggie Wilson (Rockwood, TN)
Judy and Family, It is with deep sorrow in learing of your loss. No matter how many years we have with our loved ones it never seems enough. May the Lord watch over and meet your every need.
God Bless,
Don Gardner (Bayview, ID)
Robert and I are sorry for your lost. If there is anything at all we can do, please do not hesitate to let us know. We will lift you & family up in our prayers. If there is anything Robert can help you do around the house, I am sure he would more than happy to oblige.Just give us a call. So sorry for your loss.
Robert & Kathy Jones (Kingston, TN)
Dearest Judy,
So sorry to hear about your husband. We love you and miss you at RCHS. If there is anything we can do, just call. You are in our prayers as always.
Cheryl Kennedy (Kingston, TN)
Judy & Zoe, We're so sorry for your loss. We will remember you in our prayers. Thanks for being a friend.
Lonnie, Tommy, & Phyllis Burress (Oliver Springs, TN)
Judy, I will always remember you for your sincere dedication and devoted love in the care of your husband in his final days on this earth. My sincere sympathy to you and your family in the loss of this great man.
Emily Denton, Parkwest CCU Waiting Area (Knoxville, TN)
Judy, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time, For the short time that I got to know Mr Wassom, it was a blessing.
Julie Dvorak (Rockwood, TN)
John was a wonderful person, a terrific colleague and a committed friend. It was a joy to collaborate with him during my days at ORNL, and I’ve enjoyed working together with him organizing meetings and developing scientific strategies over the past several years. He was always someone to see the positive side of every situation. I will miss him immensely.
Rick Woychik (Bar Harbor, ME)
I was stunned and saddened to hear of John's passing as he was so full of life and fun when I saw him last at the EMS meeting in St. Louis in October 2009. He was a joy to visit with over the many years I knew him through EMS. My deepest condolences are with his family and friends during this time of grief. His smile, laughter and his extensive knowledge of EMS history will be greatly missed by the Society.
Pamela Lee (Prospect, OR)
Judy and family- We have closely followed the ups and downs of John last struggle during the months of January and February. What a strain it must have been for you and your family to hope so many times for the best. As you know I loved John as a brother and his passing has left empty spaces in all our lives.
Heinrich and Martha Malling (Chapel Hill, NC)
John has been one of my closest friends in the US and I still find it difficult to accept the reality of his passing away. May his soul rest in peace
K. Sankaranarayanan (Oegstgeest, The Netherlands)
Stan Wassom was an awesome man; he was all about Rockwood and all about helping people. Stan had a big heart and always had a smile on his face no matter what the circumstance he could cheer you up. Stan was a fine councilman and represented our town with all his heart and soul. It is so sad to loose such a fine man, Husband, Father & Grandfather. Stan always had a story about any situation you may be in to make you feel better about yourself. We will all miss him very much.
Willard Mead & Family (Rockwood, TN)
All our hearts are heavy at John's passing. I feel priviledged to have known and worked with him over the years. I will remember his laugh and for all his kindness he showed me over those years. Heaven became a grander place when he crossed over.
Lois Thurston (Clinton, TN)
Rest in peace
Margaret Ann Strader Rose (Nashville, TN)
Dear Judy and Zoe, God bless you and keep you in your time of sorrow. Love
Natalie, and Donny Wassom (Chattanooga, TN)
Judy - You and Zoe have been in my prayers and thoughts daily since the beginning of Stanley's illness. Also my Sunday School Class of Spring City Methodist Church was also praying. Even though we were first cousins, Herby, Stanley, Jackie, my older sister, Maxilee, and myself were like brothers and sisters and grew up together
here in Spring City. I will truly miss him.
Lynda Garrison Smith (Spring City, TN)
Stanley lived almost across the street from me when we were kids in Spring City. Spent many hours playing cowboys and Indians and football on the nearby vacant lot...and picking strawberries each spring on my grandfather's farm. Condolences to his family.
Bob Ketchersid (Athens, TN)
Judy,
I am so sorry to hear about Stan. I know GOD is & will be at your side thru this. If you need anything at all please do not hesitate to call.
GOD bless
GOD bless
Eddie Crabtree (Douglasville, GA)
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of great saddness. Our community has suffered as great loss.
Love,
Jordon, Krystal, and Emily Griffis (Rockwood, TN)
You will be missed so very much.
Lois M. Floyd (Clinton, TN)
Such an honor to be associated with Stan in the industrial board meetings. He always made me feel important and that my comments were regarded with thought and concern.
John M. Dennis (Rockwood, TN)
David and Brenda Bell (Harriman, TN)
I met John through the Gene-Tox Prograam. I will never forget his unfailing good humor and his willingness to help in any way. Over the years we worked together He met my husband and they became good friends. John was more than someone I worked with. He was a friend of our family and we shall miss him.
Angela Auletta and Jim Beard (Edgewater, MD)
Bob and I extend our deepest sympathy to the entire Wassom family. Rockwood lost a good man and no one can ever replace him.
Jo and Bob Walters (Rockwood, TN)
John Stanley Wassom has been one of my closest friends and colleagues for more than 35 years. We have communicated almost weekly during this time on one thing or the other relating to our common passion for protecting future generation against harmful agents in our environment through mutagenesis research. I will miss him and these regular communications so very much. But I am most grateful to John, and his wife Judy, for praying me into the Kingdom of God almost 30 years ago now and look forward to continuing our conversations, and joyous laughter, in the next life with our Lord and Savior!
Jack Bishop (Raleigh, NC)
We were very sad to learn of Stanley's passing. He certainly left his mark in this old world. I know Jesse, Hazel and the elders are very proud of the two boys and Jackie.
We won't be able to get up there, but will have all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Miles & Barbara McCuistion (Hixson, TN)
James K. Selkirk,Ph.D (Chapel Hill, NC)
We extend our deepest sympathies to all of Stan's family members. We have lost a great man, a great friend, and a great asset to this community. He will be dearly missed.
Shelia & David Ladd (Rockwood, TN)
Sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you.
Arvel McNelly (Rockwood, TN)
Thinking of you. Know you are in our prayers.
Larry and Alice McNelly (Rockwood, TN)
Our deepest sympathies to the family Stan was a fine man & classmate. He will be missed at our reunions.
For the Class of 1959 Spring City High School, Spring City TN.
John A. Latshaw (Jasper, TN)
Judy and family please know that you are in my prayers and thoughts.
Connie Parsons
I am so sorry for your loss! May our Lord continue to bless you and your family throughout this difficult time keeping you and yours comforted with the love of family and friends. Sincerely,
Terry Long, Baker (London, KY)
Judy, Mom, Jim and I were very sorry to hear about Stan. We are thinking about you and praying for you. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help. God Bless You. Love, Jim and Louise Stallworth and Lillian Long
Lillian Long and Family (Piney Flats, TN)
So sorry for your lost. Stan was agood friend .GODbless and comfort you.
rick luffman (Rockwood, TN)
I am so sorry to hear that Mr. Wassom has passed away. I remember him from my time in Rockwood during the early '80s and he and Judy were such a striking couple!! I also loved having Zoe in my children's choir at the Methodist Church and she was a wonderful piano student. Stan's wonderful smile will be the thing I remember most about him. I know that there is a strong faith in this family and many many friends to share this heavy burden. My thoughts will be with you in the coming days.
Cynthia Vance-Lovasik (Springdale, PA)
Stan will never be forgotten.He will be missed by all who knew him.Our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Sincerely,
Jack&Tara Stockton (Harriman, TN)
GAIL MAY (Rockwood, TN)
I am so sorry to hear about Stanley's passing. I will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Jerry Walker (Kingston, TN)
I am sorry for the familys lost. We all know that he is in a better place now. The lord will take care of him. Just think he will be watching you guys everyday and always be in your heart.
Ali Guinn (Kingston, TN)
Bill&Louise Warner (Rockwood, TN)
I am sorry. I know your hurt.
lem hill
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