John Francis Cannon

John Francis Cannon, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and influential figure in the golf industry, passed away on September 11th, 2024 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on July 15, 1952, in Allentown, PA, John was the son of Peggy (Heckman) Cannon and Frank Cannon. He was a cherished sibling to Joan M. Carl (David), Francis P. Cannon (Cynthia), and Patricia C. Kratzer (Gary).

John’s love affair with golf started at the age of 13, and from that point on, he was rarely seen without a club in hand. His passion took him from the fairways of Kutztown University to co-owning Cannon's Bar with his dad, where the stories were as abundant as the drinks. Later, John and his wife Kathleen took on the restaurant business with The Charles Inn, but it was the golf course that ultimately called him back.

At 38, John made a bold career change—starting humbly at the bag drop at Shipyard Golf Club in Hilton Head Island, SC.. His dedication and natural leadership propelled him through various roles, from the Director of Golf at Capitol Hill on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Prattville, AL, to a partner in a golf management company in Overland Park, KS. John eventually became the CEO of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, a position he held for nearly two decades. His crowning achievement was creating The Back Yard, a par 3 course at Oxmoor Valley in Birmingham—a testament to his imagination and love of the game.

John's life was enriched by his love of golf, time spent with dear friends, smoking cigars, enjoying good whiskey, reading books, and walking his beloved dog, Rose. In September of the previous year, John received a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer but faced the challenge with remarkable positivity and unwavering hope. He was especially excited to meet his granddaughter and namesake, Frances, born in June, and wasted no opportunity to proudly share his newest role as “Pops” with everyone who crossed his path.

John is survived by his devoted wife of 38 years, Kathleen; four children, Beth Cannon (James Carfora), Amy Cannon-Power (Andrew), William Cannon (Amber), and Grace Tucker (Michael); his granddaughter, Frances, as well as his siblings, nieces, and nephews who will all carry fond memories of John’s laughter, kindness, and wisdom.

Private services will be held in both Birmingham, AL, and Allentown, PA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Bradley Johnson Memorial Foundation at bradleyjohnsonmemorialfoundation.org.

John Francis Cannon’s legacy will endure in the hearts of those he touched through his work, his passion, and his love for his family and friends. He enjoyed the journey.