John "Jack" C. Voden

John Charles Voden (1945–2025)

John “Jack” Voden, age 80, of Bluffton, SC, died after a brief illness on December 31, 2025.

He was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, to John and Anne. Ready to see more of the world — and, as he liked to joke, “to lose a little weight” thanks to his mother’s excellent cooking — he went on to attend the United States Coast Guard Academy. His sense of humor and quick wit were trademarks from an early age and stayed with him throughout his life.

While at the Academy, his classmates quickly discovered he was both resourceful and entrepreneurial. With his roommate, he opened a hot dog stand out of their dorm room to feed hungry classmates while also making a quick buck. He also demonstrated a knack for “creative problem-solving,” famously learning how to ferment apple juice into wine — a secret he kept until his 55th class reunion, to the great amusement of his classmates and family.

After graduating from the Academy, he drew “the lucky card,” receiving duty in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, where he served aboard the USCGC Mellon. He was then assigned command of a 95-foot cutter, the Cape Small, in Hilo, Hawaiʻi, and it was there on a fateful New Year’s Eve that he met Mona, who would become his beloved wife of 56 years. Together they built a life filled with love, humor, and partnership.

A proud veteran, Jack served 20 years in the United States Coast Guard, attaining the rank of Commander before his retirement. During his Coast Guard career, he served in Iwo Jima, California, Alaska, Virginia, New York, and Washington, D.C, holding various accounting and financial leadership roles. He was respected for his dedication, leadership, and steady presence, consistently earning the admiration of those who served alongside him.

After retiring from active duty, he continued his work in finance and joined the Bank-Fund Staff Federal Credit Union in Washington, D.C., as Assistant Comptroller, where he worked until retiring from civilian service in 2009.

His faith was also important to him. While living in the D.C. area, he belonged to St. Paul’s Moravian Church, where he sang in the choir and served as treasurer for many years. After retirement, he and Mona found their forever home in the Bluffton, SC, area and became active members of St. Andrew By-the-Sea UMC, where he once again shared his singing talents in the Men’s Ensemble. His financial acumen was quickly discovered there as well, and he was soon elected treasurer once again.

He is remembered most for his humor, generosity, clever one-liners, and the way he made everyone feel welcome. In recent years, he discovered a love of cooking and enjoyed trying new recipes, especially when he and Mona welcomed visitors.

His life was defined by service, humor, and love, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, John and Anne; his sister, Anita; and his brother, Jim. He is survived by his wife, Mona; his children, Heather (Russell) and John (Erin); three grandchildren; his sister, Joanne Belfield; and other loved ones.

A memorial service will be held on January 20 at St. Andrew By-the-Sea UMC in Hilton Head, SC. Interment will follow on January 21 at Beaufort National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association and to St. Andrew By- the-Sea UMC.