of Humboldt, TN
August 28, 1939 - April 7, 2025
John Paschal Curlin, our beloved ''Grand,'' died in Christ on April 7, 2025, from an apparent heart attack. We, his family, grieve his absence, yet our hearts are filled with gratitude and joy for the incredible blessing he was in our lives.
John was born on August 28, 1939, to James Howard and Valentine (''Val'') Paschal Curlin. His father passed away when John was just two years old. He grew up in Marion, Arkansas, and after graduating from the McCallie School in Chattanooga, he studied at Vanderbilt University and Southwestern (now Rhodes) College before completing both medical school and an obstetrics and gynecology residency at the University of Arkansas.
John practiced obstetrics and gynecology for 35 years-first as a U.S. Navy officer stationed in Japan during the Vietnam War, and later at The Jackson Clinic. He attended the births of thousands of Jackson area children and, in the latter part of his career, specialized in a surgical procedure through which he helped women who had been sterilized regain their fertility.
Though he took his profession seriously, John's life was singularly devoted to his family and to knowing God and making Him known. In 1966, he married Elizabeth ''Leeba'' Andrews, daughter of the late Chubby and Margie Andrews of Memphis. Together they raised seven children whom John-''Dad''-was determined would ''not turn out to be worthless.'' With a vigilant eye for laziness, entitlement, and self-pity, he taught us to work hard, give thanks in adversity, and respond promptly to his instruction. Tirelessly, he labored to provide every opportunity for us to flourish, took us on unforgettable adventures around the world, and celebrated our successes, large and small.
John especially delighted in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who knew him simply as ''Grand.'' He prayed for them, challenged them, taught them, and blessed them. He crisscrossed the country-and flew often to Panama-to spend time with them.
Despite a full family life, Dad was a spiritual father and mentor to many outside his household. When any of his ''children'' strayed, we could count on his direct, candid rebukes-words that cut like a surgeon's knife, but always with the intent to heal. He was our first call for counsel, a steady source of practical help, and a gracious encourager in our moments of brokenness.
If there was one message John lived and proclaimed, it was this: that Jesus-and only Jesus-offers the life our hearts long for. After years of spiritual wandering in his youth, John surrendered his life to Christ at age 24 and never looked back. From that moment until his death, he relentlessly pursued what he believed God was calling him to do. We often joked that Dad was ''not always right, but never in doubt.'' He was a man of faith in action. He founded Bible studies, helped launch Jackson Bible Fellowship, which became Evangelical Community Church, and served for many years as an elder, teacher, and mentor. He taught parenting, wrote a book on grandparenting, and gave generously to efforts to share the Gospel across the globe.
In 2002 John experienced profound personal healing through a listening prayer ministry, and he resolved to help others experience the same. Over the subsequent years, he facilitated thousands of hours of prayer with people seeking freedom from patterns of fear, shame, bitterness, and other burdens, helping them listen for God's voice, and seeing many experience the healing and freedom that Jesus brings. Along the way, those who loved him watched John grow in mercy, gentleness, and patience. He came to know God as the Prodigal Father (Luke 15:11 32)-eager to welcome us home and to set us free. Indeed, Dad became a living witness of the Father's love, bringing hope and healing wherever he went.
Now, we who loved him commend John-Dad, Grand-to the Father he loved and taught us to know, the One who loved us first and showed that love through Jesus.
John is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Jim. He is survived by his wife Leeba, their seven children and spouses, thirty-one grandchildren and spouses, and ten great-grandchildren (with two more on the way):
· David and Mia Curlin: Paschal, Masada and Robby Schwartz, Jerusha, Leeba
· Marvi and Dan Gunn: Tanner and Alyse (Elijah, Simeon, and Lydia), Price and Abby (Margie, Amy), Elle and Will Burdett (Gunnar, Judah), John David and Anna, Asher
· Micah and Dan Lindquist: Daniel and Jordan (Levi, Ella Claire), Josiah and fiancé Anna, Emme and Philip Nichols (Micah Anne), Sophie and McNeill Stout, Stephen
· Farr and Kimberly Curlin: David, Andrew, Caroline, Gigi
· Howard and Michelle Curlin: Phin, Lars, Katie Anne, Field, Jude, JR
· John Reid and Laura Curlin: Reid, Sarah Mia, Lolly
· Caleb and Betsy Curlin: Margo, Micah, Lucy, Josie
He is also survived by beloved sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and the many dear women and men to whom he was a surrogate father, mentor, and friend.
A funeral service will be held at Cornerstone Community Church (730 Pipkin Road, Jackson, see church's YouTube channel for livestream) on Saturday, April 12, with visitation beginning at 9 a.m. and the service at 11 a.m. That afternoon at 3 p.m., John will be laid to rest in a family plot at Elmwood Cemetery in Memphis (824 S. Dudley St.). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Voice of the Martyrs.
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22 Condolence(s)
Michal Kliman
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
John was our Light together with Leeba, our Spiritual guides, parents in Faith. They similarly touched hundreds if not thousands of other lives. The Light of Love never goes out.
Bob & Judy Schroeder
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
So sorry for your loss. Happy to know he knew Jesus. We are Jenny Johnson's parents.
Sarah Shepherd
Monday, April 14, 2025
Sending heartfelt prayers of peace and comfort to Micah and her entire family. Though I didn’t have the honor of knowing your father personally, I’ve been deeply moved by the incredible life shared here — filled with remarkable achievements, all for God’s glory. May your memories bring you comfort, and may you find strength in the promise of a life beautifully lived and now resting in Christ.
H.E. Singley III
Sunday, April 13, 2025
At Christy's suggestion, I read the obituary of "Grand" and found it to be a great insight into one who lived a significant life and, I must add, a blessing to all who read it. Grace and peace to all of you. The resurrection awaits!
Randy and Susan Jahns
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Remembering you all in prayer as you celebrate a life well lived. His legacy lives on in his family. Joining many in prayer from Wheaton. Randy and Susan
Melvin E Newbill
Saturday, April 12, 2025
While reading the obituary i could see and hear that grate man that i know,and when it came to the part his teaching and discipline.I just wish it hadn't taken so long for me to come around always look at myself was his oldest. Love Melvin
Dr. Andy & Mrs. Julie Barlow
Saturday, April 12, 2025
John is a great man who had the rare courage to grow in knowledge and wisdom during his golden years. He is and always will be appreciated by Julie and I. He, with Leeba, contributed to our work with Wycliffe in translating the Oku and the Atikamekw New Testaments, as well as contributing to my theological education. Our theological discussions were always passionate and energetic. It is with sadness that we see him temporarily relocating from this blessed planet. May peace and comfort fill the hearts of those he has preceded in this journey.
Susan Armour and family
Saturday, April 12, 2025
John and Leeba were instrumental in my deep spiritual life and helping me to raise godly children that know Jesus. They taught me by example of a godly family. I met Leeba through my car pool and John through my medical needs and delivery of my son. We lost a godly soul here but God gained a precious warrior. Many prayers for the Curlin family and the legacy they live to the many Christian’s from precious Val and her Bible Studies, to taking in Dr. Jim and serving his family and the many families around our country. God Bless Dr. John P. Curlin and family.
Adrianna Duncan
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Dear Curlins one and all, boy do I wish I could come home to Jackson to celebrate Mr. John’s life and ministry and be in community with you all.
Please know that I love you and I’m thinking about you all.
May his memory be a blessing.
Shelli Curlin Henehan
Friday, April 11, 2025
Uncle John, I was hoping to see you this fall, but I know that you are much happier in Heaven. Thank you for sitting next to me at the rehearsal dinner last year, as it was wonderful catching up with you.
Crystal Wollam
Friday, April 11, 2025
My prayers to the Curlin family. Dr. Curlin was a great man and wonderful to work along side at the Jackson clinic. I know he will be missed, but heaven gained an angel.
Clay & Sarah Scott
Friday, April 11, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire extended Curlin family, but particularly to John Reid and Laura and their family who know here at 1st Evan in Memphis. But what joy to celebrate a life well lived and joy of the eternal hope we have through our Redeemer.
Audrey Shannon
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Wonderful man and physician. Delivered my daughter. Precious memory.
Annette Giles Wright
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Oh, the memories! Meeting at church and experiencing the wonderful doctor he was, delivering both of our children and walking me through some difficult times. Gymnastics with our girls. You will not be forgotten. All of this precious family are and will continue to be in our prayers. God be with each of you and hold you close!
Wyatt and Betsy George
Thursday, April 10, 2025
John and Leeba's time in Carbondale, IL (back in the 70s!) was such a blessing to us and to our children, and we so much appreciate their staying in touch ever since. "Blessed in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints" ie their Home-going -- where we will rejoice in being with Jesus, and John, forever ! Love to all of you!
Noemi Stanakova
Thursday, April 10, 2025
We as a family are deeply sorry for the loss you Curlins are experiencing now. Even though we are living in a different part of the world, John has contributed to healing our family on different levels. And I hope to never forget about it. And it is so precious to see how you all as a family bear the same legacy. May God be with you all in your pain of loss.
Hewitt Tomlin
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
He was one of the “oaks of righteousness “ mentioned in Isaiah. There are many of us, who are his spiritual children, who were spurned on to become disciples of our Lord and a savior , Jesus Christ and who gladly press on to, Finish well!!! Until we meet again my brother!!!!!!!
Mark & Cheryce
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Though it is often said, “they don’t make ‘em like they used to”, it is clear to me from the Curlins (and descendants) I know that his legacy lives on. Well done, good and faithful servant. Welcome to your Lords presence, and thank you for leaving living examples of Jesus.
We don’t mourn as others do, yet grieve for those left behind. Prayers abound from Wheaton.
Jeemin Youn
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Grand wasn’t my grandfather by blood, but he loved me like his own—that’s just who he was. His life echoed the prayer of Betty Scott Stam, “Lord, I give up my own plans and purposes. Use me as Thou wilt.” And God surely did. He showed love freely, served others humbly, and lived fully at the disposal of the Lord. I’m so thankful to have known him—and to have been loved by him. His legacy is one to be remembered.
Joe and Georgia White
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Our deepest condolences to the family. May the peace of God and the comfort of the Holy Spirit be with today and the days to come.
Rheba Nichols
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
What a wonderful legacy he leaves. He will be greatly missed. I am so glad to have the privilege of meeting the Curlin family and now having some of them as part of my family. Praise God for blessing them with such a wonderful Father and Grand.
jeanie hale Martz
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
My brothers and I were next door neighbors growing up. He was a wonderful friend and neighbor. He was such a fine person. Prayers for his family. Jeanie Hale Martz