David John Babcock, Jr.

David “John” Babcock, Jr, born October 5, 1947 in St. Paul, MN to David and Maxine Babcock. He spent most of his formative years in Sandusky, OH and at his grandparents’ farm in Wisconsin. He graduated from Highland Park High School where he was part of the school record holding mile relay team. An athlete who played many sports; football, basketball, wrestling, baseball and track. He stayed active in sports as a young adult coaching community center youth football in St. Paul, MN and later his children in soccer, t-ball, and track and field. He helped start and build the Woodbury Athletic Association’s track and field program in the 1990’s.

Born David John, he was known to most as John, Uncle John, “our” John, and to all a friend. He was quick to help, often noticing what needed to be done and starting in as soon as he could, whether that was with a steady hand, strong back, comforting hug, warm and welcoming smile, or listening ear. He would be there.

His professional career was mostly spent working as CFO for a plastic’s manufacturing company in Canon Falls, MN, which he also helped to grow. And, while work was at times challenging, he did it without complaint. He did not live to work but worked to live and provide for his family. Once retired from the professional world, John volunteered in the physical therapy wing of Woodwinds Hospital in Woodbury, MN and really enjoyed helping people get back on their feet.

Volunteering once retired was simply a continuation of a life dedicated to it. Whether it was helping Vietnamese immigrants learning to drive, his years of cooking in the kitchen of the Dorothy Day Center in St. Paul, MN, or his work as a member of the board of directors for Family Promise in Bluffton, South Carolina, as well as other organizations. Over the years, John selflessly found a way to help those in need.

He loved the outdoors. Wherever he lived he started a garden, big or small. Getting his hands dirty was never a problem. Fishing, hunting, and camping were hobbies he shared with his family as they traveled to Northern Minnesota, west to the mountains, or wherever the highway or country road led.

John excelled in the kitchen where he conjured up the perfect meal plan to bring together family and friends over the years, as being "together" with loved ones were always cherished times for John.

For 55 years John danced with his partner and wife Carolyn (Cotten) Babcock. Together they joined the Ballroom group in Sun City, South Carolina. Their last dance was just over a week before he passed on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at home, and at peace in Bluffton, SC surrounded by family and friends.

John is survived by his wife and partner Carolyn (Cotten); son Christopher, Michelle (Mencke), daughter Laura, son Kyle and Shanda Kivihalme; grandchildren Azure Brooks-Babcock, Atticus Brooks-Babcock, Josie Babcock, and Callie Babcock; and siblings Tom Babcock, Dorothy, Mark Babcock, Linda, Bill Babcock, Anne, Kathy Hundt (Babcock), Daniel Hundt, Carolyn Rose Merical (Babcock), Johnny Merical, Bruce Babcock, and Sheri along with many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Family Promise (181 Bluffton Rd, Unit D101, Bluffton, SC 29910) or the charity of your choice in John’s honor.

There will be a memorial service held at Lord of Life Lutheran Church (351 Buckwalter Pkwy, Bluffton, SC 29910) on Monday, December 9, 2024 at 11:00 AM. Luncheon to follow at the church.

Family Promise
Web: https://familypromisebeaufortcounty.org/donate-confirmation/