John "Jack" DeWees London, 87, of Charlotte, NC passed peacefully at home surrounded by his three children after a heroic battle with cancer on Friday, March 4, 2022. Jack was born in Chester County, PA on June 4, 1934, the third of six children born to Ellen (Young) and Fred London.

Jack was raised in a Christian home and attended Bethel AME Church in West Chester, PA as a child. His morning routine included black coffee and a Bible verse. Before beginning any renovation project, he left a Bible onsite.

Jack attended Chester County schools and graduated from West Chester High in 1952. After graduating, Jack entered the United States Air Force and was stationed in Guam at Anderson Air Force Base as an aircraft mechanic. After serving his country, Jack earned an undergraduate degree in Industrial Arts and a Masters Degree in Administration from Cheyney University in Cheyney, PA. While at Cheyney, Jack pledged Phi Beta Sigma (Gamma Omicron Chapter). Upon graduation, Jack began teaching with the Chester County Schools System as an Industrial Arts (Shop) Teacher and worked at Luckens Steel Mill. In 1976, he moved to Charlotte, NC with his family and began teaching at J.T. Williams Junior High. In 1981, he became one of the first black licensed General Contractors in the state of North Carolina and founded Phoenix Construction Company. He went on to earn his plumbing and electrical licenses as well. In the late 1980's, Phoenix Construction Company was contracted by the City of Charlotte to construct many of the bus shelters on the Westside of Charlotte and to rehabilitate many homes in the Hampton Park and Cherry Neighborhoods. Jack was recognized by the Mecklenburg County Commission for his rehab work and is listed in the North American Registry as an honored member of Who's Who Among Successful African Americans. In 2016, after recovering from a tragic accident, he and his family began London Rhynes Real Estate Group. The goal...to invest, rehab and manage affordable housing for their tenants. With woodworking being one of his loves, each property features his signature trim around the doors and windows.

Jack's hobbies included beagle hunting with his Father, deep sea fishing and playing pool in his younger years. His latter years were filled with golf, which he loved to play and watch (but only if Tiger Woods was playing), building large scale gas powered model airplanes and painting. His paintings consisted mostly of his favorite places from childhood and of beautiful African American women. Many family members have his art displayed in their homes.

Jack leaves to cherish his memory, his children who loved and adored him, Dana London of Atlantic City, NJ, John London of Atlantic City, NJ and Crystal (Michael) L. Rhynes of Charlotte, NC. Two brothers, Robert (Helen) A. London of Tampa, FL and George N. London of West Chester, PA and one sister-in-law Brenda J. Hoffman of Greensboro, NC. Grandsons Mark P. Jones of Atlantic City, NJ and Corwin D. Rhynes of Charlotte, NC and granddaughters Lynae London of Atlantic City, NJ and Chinara London of Atlantic City, NJ. Former spouse Jacquelyn R. London. Bonus grandchildren Michael (Ravyn) S. Rhynes, Jr. and Morghyn (Wade) Rhynes-Mosley. Two great-grandchildren and four bonus great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and loved ones.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son John D. London II, oldest brother Frederick (Emily) W. London, oldest Sister Geraldine L. Richardson and younger sister Elizabeth (David) L. Thorne.