John Baptist Reggans III
Born November 2, 1956, in Gary, Indiana to proud parents Roxie and John Reggans Jr. John was a beacon of strength and kindness to all who knew him. He grew up surrounded by love, alongside his older sister Lois Reggans Davis, and younger brothers Kenny Reggans, and Robert Miller III.
John pursued his passion for business, graduating with honors and earning a BA in Business Administration with a major in Marketing and Advertising from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. An esteemed businessman in the automotive industry who for 16 years, served as President and Owner of Everett Chevrolet, leaving an indelible mark on the community.
John Baptist Reggans III, high school sweetheart turned husband of 37 years to Carmenlydia Reggans, devoted father of Shaina Danielle Reggans (Calvin), John Baptist Reggans IV (Jocilyn), and Brandon Jeffrey Reggans (Minkyung), and cherished Papa of Jordan, Lenny, and Luna, passed away on May 26, 2024, at the age of 67 years old.
Beyond his professional achievements, John found joy in life’s simple pleasures. An avid cook, he delighted in creating culinary masterpieces for his loved ones. His love for meeting new people and experiencing diverse cultures fueled his passion for collecting, rooting on his favorite sports team, and traveling the world. Yet, amidst his adventures, nothing brought him greater happiness than spending quality time with his family.
John will also be deeply missed by his lifelong brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (ΚΑΨ), extended family, friends, and all who knew him.
On June 4 from 1- 5 pm, a viewing will be held at Barton Funeral Home, 11630 Slater Ave NE, Suite 1A Kirkland, WA 98034 with a homecoming service to celebrate his life to follow on Wednesday, June 5th at 11 am at Mount Zion Baptist Church,1634 19th Av. Seattle, WA 98122.
In place of flowers, the family requests donations to Hopelink.org to honor John’s memory.
19 Responses to “John Baptist Reggans III”
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John was one of my closest friends at Wester Michigan University. We shared two distinct common spirits, we both grew up on the streets of Gary, Indiana and both shared an undeniable passionate clarity that we would become entrepreneurs. He was the first person I shared my early dreams.
After graduation we didn’t see each other; I guess we were so engrossed in our ambitions. But over the last 5 years we shared several in depth conversations about our journeys. One of the topics was us finally getting in business together. I always envisioned us changing the world. I’m very sad to lose this brother and that dream of ours. But more emphatically I’m sad I wasn’t able to spend time time Carmen and his children. God Bless your souls…sending love, strength and grace to all of you.
Warmest regards
Michael Vann
What a ride! Thanks Sands for the great experiences we shared and the beautiful memories you created. You are loved and will be missed. Yours in the bond.
I remember the passion John had for the minority dealer scholarship program he chaired. i don’t believe anyone has surpassed his enthusiasm for the youth since. We will miss this remarkable Dealer.
RT
Carmen- My most deepest and heartfelt condolences. To say this came as a shock to my very core is an understatement. Not long ago I ran across a few of the many pictures we took while on vacations….All of us young and smiling with the beauties and bounties of life. The 4 of us sharing stories and uplifting each other as only we could understand. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Iris Smalls Hubbard
Our condolences to John’s family in his passing. It is difficult to express to love ones when faced with death of a friend and family member. By understanding death is sleep until Christ Jesus returns for His obedient saints. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Our prayers are for your peace and comfort at this time. John was a great man and dedicated husband, dad, and Christlike person. 🙏🏾🙏❤️🥲
My condolences to Carmenlydia, his devoted wife for many years and to his children. I was so saddened to hear of John’s passing. A true Kappa Man of Excellence, proud Father and Husband. I am equally saddened that I have not spoken to John and Carmen for many years. This reminds us that we know not the day or the hour. We must do better about keeping in touch with the people who have meant a lot to us and helped to shape our lives in some aspects. RIP John. We will meet again on those Golden Shores.
YITB,
Reggie
carmen call me – 704-576-0052
Carmenlydia,
Our prayers for you and your family at this difficult time. John was a good dealer, Kappa man and friend. May he Rest In Peace.
Frank and Toni Simmons
Houston, Texas
Carmenlydia & Reggans Family:
Please accept our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your dear, loved one. We have many fond memories of John and his generous heart and unyielding support for his fellow GM dealers, the GMMDA, and the GMMDA Scholarship Program that he successfully chaired for several years. He leaves a tremendous legacy of service, support, and advocacy that will always be remembered. We are grateful for the memorable and special times that we shared with him and the entire Reggans family at numerous dealer meetings and PEP conferences.
We are praying for your strength and peace during this difficult time. May you find comfort in God’s grace loving embrace now and the days ahead.
Sent with our love and remembrance of John.
From: Marjorie Staten & the Members of the General Motors Minority Dealers Association (GMMDA)
I am sorry to your loss; may almighty God give comfort and rest your love in peace. I know, it is very hard but be strong as you smile all the time to your students.
James Akook
Dear Carmen/Shaina/JB/Brandon –
My heart goes out to each of you with the deepest sincerity in remembrance of “Big John” Reggans. Just thinking back to all the childhood memories and how there always seemed to be a party up in your guys kitchen! I’d call early Saturday morning trying to hang out and Big John would answer the phone “Casa De Huevos!” and I’d basically forget who I was even trying to reach. How many times we got to pack up all the Suburbans/Tahoe’s with kids and teenagers and drive downtown to see a concert or the Sonics play basketball! Just getting to witness him all suited up and in action over at Everett Chevrolet helped my teenager self broaden scope on my future with playing sports. I learned you have to be brave and bold to stand out in business and man he did all that! Big John had it in him to share from his heart and your family always held it down for me. Thank you all for being a beacon of light at the time as your contribution towards my life and well being has helped shaped me into the person I am today. It would be my honor to be here to help your family in any way I can. I love you all so much…
May John Reggans soul rest in God’s ultimate peace…
– Angel and Family
John was an Awesome Kappa Brother. One of Gamma Beta best Nupe.
Dearest Carmen,
Thinking of you and your family, and sending heartfelt condolences as you mourn the passing of your husband John. “Wishing you strength and peace during this time of grief”.
God Bless Your Family!
I would like to express my sadness over the loss of my Kappa Brother and offer my condolences to the Reggans family. While I am sad, I am also grateful that John is no longer suffering in pain and agony. He was a man of great faith and that was on display during the last few months of his life. I will continue to pray that God comforts his family during this time of grief.
June 4, 2024
John Baptist Reggans III and I met at orientation weekend on Western Michigan University campus in June of 1974. As second year students we pledged along with 27 other young men, thirteen were initiated into Gamma Beta, Western Michigan University chapter, of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated. Our fundamental purpose in Kappa Alpha Psi is “Achievement In Every Field Of Human Endeavor.” John was #6 of the line named Dangerous Dealing Thirteen, we crossed on January 30, 1976. John served as Polemarch (President) of our chapter and was an officer at the provincial or regional level. He took charge of locating our fraternity house near campus where we live and served the community. He designed and created flyers and posters for our campus functions. He also created and sold his iconic Kappa medallions to earn money as well as managing the WMU student union. When john graduated 1978, he began his work career in marketing. John achieved his goal of being the owner of a car dealership in Everett, Washington. He was listed in Black Enterprise magazine among Black Dealership owners. One highlight I will remember is when John invited his family, friends and our line brothers to share in celebrating his company’s 10th anniversary and Christmas gala, that was a party to remember.
To the Reggans family, we offer our sincere condolences, he will be greatly missed. May it bring comfort to know that all of us share in your sorrow and our prayers are with you always.
Yours In The Bond,
Sylvester Leon ‘Lucky’ Lane Jr.
Members of the’ Dangerous Dealing Thirteen’, January 30, 1976
1. Jonathan Shackleford
2. Hawthorn Lee
3. David Mitchell
4. Sylvester Lane
5. Alvin Pelt
6. John Reggans*
7. Cornell Hill
8. Ehrlich Crain
9. Ronald Golson
10. Gregory Clay*
11. Milford McGuirt
12. Rueben Cummings*
13. Kenneth Arthur
* Deceased
Carmen and family,
So many wonderful memories with all of you. Our hearts are broken for you and our prayers are coming your way in abundance.
John was a wonderful man and Carmen you were always there making him wonderful.
All our love always.
john has been a patient of mine for 30+ years. A really nice man and always fun to talk to about cars (not about the everett dealership debacle). it’s a sad day–wish everybody in the Reggans family the best.
sincerely,
dr. kerry atkins and eyedentity
I worked for John for nearly 10 years. He was the best man I ever worked for by far. I loved him very much and will remember him always. God speed John Regga
Carmenlydia,
My heart is with you as you grieve! May Jesus bring the peace and comfort you need during this time. May you feel surrounded and lifted up by love!
With Love and Grace,
Eavan Gilhuly
I miss you a lot today Dad. Always, but a lot today. I’m so grateful to have had you in my corner. I don’t know what to do now that you’re gone. It really doesn’t feel real. I just pray you know how much you were loved by so many people and please keep watching over me. I’m always looking for a sign that you’re right here with me forever.
With all my love, your baby girl xx