John M. Futch Celebration of Life

08/15/2019

A heartfelt tribute to John from CSUSB President Tomas Morales:

It is with great sadness that I report the passing of John M. Futch, highly respected CSUSB alumnus, administrator and local community member. My office received word that he passed away Sunday. It is always difficult to lose such a vital member of the CSUSB community, and John had a long and proud legacy of service to our students, our mission and the essential connection we enjoy with the people of the Inland Empire.

A longtime local resident, John had a true passion for helping others. During his eight years working at CSUSB, he served as coordinator of the Cross Cultural Center, interim director of the Women’s Resource Center & Adult Re-Entry Center, and director of Cultural & Community Development.

After retiring from the university in 2006, John became a trustee with the San Bernardino Community College District. He served as a Field Representative and later as Chief of Staff for then San Bernardino County Supervisor James Ramos. Most recently, he was elected president of the San Bernardino branch of the NAACP.

CSUSB held a special dinner in March of 2007 to launch a $100,000 textbook endowment fund in his honor. Today, the Friends of John Futch Textbook Scholarship provides book scholarships to students with a preference for community service involvement, first generation college students and EOP students.

John earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and master’s degree in Social Sciences from CSUSB. As a student, he served as ASI Vice President, participated in both the Model League of Arab States and Model United Nations programs and was active in the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity.

In this time of grief, our thoughts and prayers are with John’s family, friends and all those who knew him.

Tomás D. Morales President

08/15/2019

08/15/2019

The C.O.P.E. Board, Staff, and Leaders,

Are sadden by the news of the transitioning of our Brother, Community Leader, and Wise Sage John Futch. We take this time to honor his life, faithful leadership, and lasting legacy. We personally thank John for his consistent presence at our ReTHINK Public Saftey Meetings, School Reform Advocacy Work, 3rd Saturday Meetings, and would often run interference for us with local public servants when we would run into resistance.

We honor John’s life which was one of selfless service and sacrifice. We honor John’s devoted leadership to this community and his willingness to always partner with C.O.P.E. as a voice of wisdom. We will honor his lasting legacy by continuing to be as courageous as he was in our pursuit of justice, equity, and change.

08/15/2019

Assembly Member James Ramos honors the legacy of his dear friend.

John Futch has been a close friend and mentor for many years. He gave so much to our community and we will miss him greatly. He will always be a part of me. Rest in peace John.

08/15/2019

John Futch gave an interview on SEBA on DEMAND discussing the importance of communication and relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

08/15/2019

For decades, he chipped away to make an impact in areas that ​he ​believed counted the most in life – lifting the community and empowering the people.

08/15/2019

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the Friends of John Futch Textbook Endowment,

Directions for online giving:
•In the Please Direct My Gift to the Following Area, select “Other”
•In the Please Direct My Gift to the Following Department or Program type in: Friends of John Futch Textbook Endowment,

Follow the remaining prompts to complete the transaction.

Thank you for your willingness to continue John’s legacy in helping others.

Please direct my gift to the following area * Please direct my gift to the following department or program: * Athletics Gift Fund Men's Basketball Athletic Department Scholarship Fund Men's Soccer Baseball Softball Cheer & Dance Track & Field Coyote Athletic Association Volleyball Cross Country Wome...