John Pouch Obituary

Dr. John Jan Pouch, age 70, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, June 30th, 2025. He was predeceased by his parents, Krystyna and Aleksander, and brother, Richard, and leaves behind dear friends.

John was born in Birmingham, England. He spoke fondly of these days, often citing memories from his boyish youth filled with sports, including kicking a 60 yard field goal. Not surprisingly, John was also voted Most Polite in grammar school.

He moved to the United States with his family, graduating summa cum laude from Cody High School in 1972. John went on to the University of Michigan and Wayne State University, earning his Ph.D. in Solid State Physics (with a minor in Mathematics) from Wayne State in Detroit in 1981, where he taught physics for six years. He proceeded to have an impactful 36-year tenure with NASA John H. Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field as a Physicist in its Antenna and Optical Systems Branch.

John's work has significantly impacted the field on an international scale, with his results frequently cited, accepted by international field leaders, and applied for development. He has 165+ publications, including eight textbooks. Furthermore, John was selected as a National Research Council Advisor and was a Member of the American Physical, Electrochemical, Materials Research, and American Vacuum Societies, serving in a variety of leadership roles over the years. And, he was a NASA mentor for exceptionally gifted students from Cleveland area high schools and enjoyed presenting to students through the NASA Speakers Bureau.

Personally, John was a long-time member of Parkside Church, including serving for many years as a teacher in its Sunday School ministry.

In his free time, John came up with new mathematical formulas and physics theories. He enjoyed lap swimming, listening to the likes of The Beatles and The Police, and going to book sales (especially for biographies), though Amish Country was his favorite. John had a fascination with UFOs and avidly followed Detroit sports and the stock market, but knew just about anything going on in the news.

John was a faithful son and friend, Good Samaritan, animal lover (particularly cats), and conversationalist. He made an indelible impact not only in the field of science, but in the many lives of those he touched. He will be greatly missed.

Memorial service Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Parkside Church, 7100 Pettibone Road, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023. Private interment in Aurora Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, John likely would have wanted people to remember him through his faith (Parkside Church), intellectual curiosity (libraries), or a cat charity.