by Industry leader founded luxury furniture manufacturer in 1989 with Edward W. Phifer III and Joseph B. Manderson
Editor’s Note: Home News Now received the following obituary from the family and is reprinting it with their permission.
MORGANTON, N.C. — John Victor Jokinen, 81, died on June 28 surrounded by his loving family. “He passed as he lived —with courage, grace and integrity,” his obituary read.
John was the youngest child of the late Uno Alvar Jokinen and Rachel Porthan Jokinen. He was preceded in death by his sister, Joan Jokinen Tate, and his brother, Robert Jokinen.
John’s family roots were deeply Finnish. His grandfather emigrated first from Finland to the United States, followed by his grandmother, who “courageously navigated Ellis Island alone with her children — speaking no English and armed only with perseverance. This spirit of grit and determination, known in Finnish as Sisu, became a defining thread through John’s life.”
John’s grandparents later settled in Ely, Minnesota, where his parents grew up before relocating to DeLand, Florida, to raise their own family. There, John thrived in both academics and athletics — starting in Little League and culminating in a senior-year state championship in baseball.
He graduated as salutatorian from DeLand High School in 1961 and was later inducted into the DeLand High School Sports Hall of Fame, where his children and grandchildren cheered him on.
John went on to attend the University of Florida, graduating in 1965. A proud Gator for life, he served as president of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity during his junior and senior years. He rarely missed watching the Gators play and especially enjoyed celebrating their most recent NCAA men’s basketball national championship. During his final illness, John’s family made sure he was never without his beloved Gator socks and pajamas. He also remained a lifelong fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers and Atlanta Braves.
Growing up along the banks of the St. Johns River in DeLand, John developed an early fascination with cypress wood as he watched massive trees float downstream to be processed at the mills his father managed. That childhood experience sparked a passion that would guide his distinguished career in fine furniture — most notably as co-founder of EJ Victor.
After college, John joined Simmons Co. as a sales representative. His first territory was in Albany, Georgia, where he met Huntie Hall, a high school teacher. They married in 1967. After 12 years with Simmons, John joined Henredon Furniture in Morganton, North Carolina, in 1979. He credited his mentor, Henredon President William E. Smith, for shaping his knowledge of the furniture industry.
As the industry changed in the late 1980s and early 1990s, John made the bold decision to start a new company. In 1989, John, Edward W. Phifer III and Joseph B. Manderson co-founded EJ Victor, with instrumental support from George D. Johnson Jr., Stewart Johnson and Dan Breeden. They persuasively recruited retired Henredon executive M.C. Talley, who selected equipment and personnel and provided trusted advice. John’s leadership, vision and perseverance were pivotal to EJ Victor becoming one of the premier furniture manufacturers in the United States. The company reflected John’s principles of integrity, fairness and a deep appreciation for customer relationships and the dedicated employees.
John was a faithful member of Grace Episcopal Church, where he served on the Vestry, as a lay reader and as chairman of the Stewardship Campaign. He also served on the Grace Hospital Board and was the first chairman of the Grace Healthcare Foundation.
He enjoyed hunting in the Carolinas and south Georgia and cherished the days fishing with his grandchildren at Pawleys Island, South Carolina.
John was an encourager and mentor — not just to future furniture leaders, but to young athletes and aspiring professionals. He was a role model to his children and grandchildren, who lovingly called him “Big John.” He lived with humility and grace, never seeking attention and always inspiring those around him.
John’s journey — from the banks of the St. Johns River to the foothills of Western North Carolina — was marked by 58 remarkable years in the furniture industry. His legacy of Sisu, generosity and strength will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
John is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Huntie Hall Jokinen; his daughter, Jeanne Jokinen Bradshaw (Michael); his son, John Hunter Jokinen (Meg); and his grandchildren: Hall, Smith, Hayden and Cooper Bradshaw, and Thomas and Robert Jokinen. He is also survived by his sister, Joyce Jokinen Sims (Dave); his sister-in-law, Mimi Langley Conner (Frank); and nine nieces and nephews.
The family expresses deep gratitude to Dr. Jennifer Atlas (Levine Cancer Institute, Charlotte), Dr. Greg Jones (UNC Health Blue Ridge), Dr. Keith Smith (Burke Primary Care), the Amorem Hospice Team and John’s compassionate caregivers: Denise, Martha, Grace and Tiffany.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, July 17, at Grace Episcopal Church, 303 S. King St., Morganton, with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Grace Episcopal Church Endowment, 303 S. King St., Morganton, North Carolina 28655 or Amorem Hospice, 902 Kirkwood St., Lenoir, North Carolina 28645.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
