John Cameron Gumm

John C. Gumm, best known as Gummy, 81, of Chillicothe, passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, January 27, 2026 at his home.

He was born September 13, 1944, in Chillicothe, Ohio, son of the late Cleo Edna (Jenkins) Gumm. On January 3, 1966, he married his beloved wife, Vicki Elizabeth (Barnett) Gumm, sharing just over 60 years of marriage together.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons, Shannon (Tracey Kemper) Gumm, Jarrod (Heather) Gumm, and Ryan (Dalia) Gumm; grandchildren, Morgan Gumm, Madison Gumm, Greg (fiancée Samantha Holliday) Gumm, Grace (fiancé Trusten McWhorter) Gumm, Caden Gumm, Royce White, Kayla White, Ava Gumm, and Adelynn Gumm; three great-grandchildren; his brother, Gary Gumm; sisters-in-law, Diane (Barnett) Wells, and Linda (Barnett) Rinehart; special close friends, Walter “Moe Daddy” Vogel, Jamie Dray, and Paul Corcoran; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and beloved friends. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his two brothers, Kent Gumm and Gregg Gumm; his mother and father-in-law, William “Bill” (Bernice) Barnett; close friends, Bill Taylor, Jack Lunsford, Pete Rinehart, Tony Peck, and Elmon Ward; and his two beloved dogs, Kobi and Missy.

At the age of 19, Gummy made the decision to enlist in the United States Navy during the Vietnam Conflict to serve his country, where he did so honorably from 1964-1970. Following his discharge from the military, he painted with his brothers for work in the early 1970’s. In 1978, he began his career with Union Coal Distributors as a driver salesman and finished as a merchandiser for Kerr Wholesale in 2003.

Even after his retirement, Gummy found himself looking for ways to get out of the house and thus began his journey working with some of the best people around. He was known as the “Fish Fry Extraordinaire” at the Taylor Brothers Saloon, working along side Linda White and Vern Jenkins for many years. He was also Chad Jordan’s go-to part time guy at G&J paving, where he was known as Jumbo. Whether he worked for one hour or six, he greatly enjoyed getting out and seeing people in the community.

When he wasn’t working, he could frequently be found spending time with family and friends. He loved his family get-togethers and spending time with his grandchildren, listening to their stories, basking in their affection, and even playing along with their silliness. He deeply loved his wife Vicki and always wanted to ensure the family was taken care of while the kids were growing up. He really enjoyed his time trolling the North Fork Village on his golf cart, and many of the neighbors will surely miss his drop by visits. He was great at active listening, making it easy for him to guide others through trials and tribulations, becoming the voice of reason for many.

Gummy had many hobbies including gardening, canning, organizing and watching sports. He was an avid fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Cincinnati Bengals, Cincinnati Reds, New England Patriots, and the Navy Midshipmen. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR and was a fan of Rusty Wallace and Penske Racing. He was a life member of the VFW Post 108, as well as the American Legion Post 62. He was known as a friend to many and was someone who never met a stranger. He will be greatly missed by all who had the opportunity to get to know him.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Jimmy White and Dan Riddle from Haller Funeral Home for their patience and care for the family.

A celebration of his life will be held at 1:00pm on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at the Haller Funeral Home. Military graveside services conducted by the Ross County Veterans Honor Guard will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery. Friends are encouraged to join the family on Tuesday, February 3 from 4:00pm-8:00pm, and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. Wear your best Buckeye gear in his memory!

Memorial contributions in Gummy’s honor can be made to the VFW Post 108 or to the American Legion Post 62.