John Eldon Pippin - Online Memorial Website

I met Dr. Pippin in 1989 when I started at EMS as a technician. He immediately impressed me as a brilliant and caring person, a rare combination. His character was reflected in his company in many ways. Talk among old EMSers usually centers on how hard we worked to accomplished things that had never been done, and then inevitably drifts to the subject of Christmas hams and Thanksgiving turkeys that were given to employees around the holidays. The holiday gifts were just a small sign of appreciation, which at some companies would have been insignificant; however, at EMS we knew the sentiment was genuine because it was simply an outward expression of the generosity John embodied. I feel most blessed to have worked in the environment he created. I also had the privilege of getting to know John on a personal level after his retirement. Whether at a business meeting or an informal dinner, he was always larger than life, with a heart to match. He will be greatly missed. - MM

I believe it can all be summed up with "you cared".  When I was 'on the fence' about joining EMS in 1986, you made a special point of calling to have dinner (... after all Barbara was at the Lake!).  We even dropped by to see how the construction on your home you were building was progressing while on the way to the restaurant.  I didn't really know what I would be doing precisely at the company, but I trusted you and knew there was a place for me.  I never changed my mind ...

 

Pat

Having worked for a short time for Dr. Pippin at Scientific Atlanta, I was privileged to join he and a handful of engineers in having a part in the beginning of Electromagnetic Sciences.  He was a kind boss, partial to Dutch Masters "President" cigars and nasal spray.  He did his best in 1968 to teach me something about computers.  Though not an apt computer science student, I was able to contribute in other ways and was so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of what was for me the excitement of a company start-up.  I respected Dr. Pippin as a scientist, a boss, and a man.  He was a good person.

On August 22, 1981 John Eldon and Barbara Pippin and Bill and Eva Marie Watson began a journey that no-one else can ever share! John Gary and Stephanie Marie Pippin were born to John Festus and Susan Pippin! They were such delights as babies, so much fun as toddlers, accomplishments as middle schoolers and on to successful High School graduations. Since Barbara's untimely passing the 3 of us have gone on to share the pride of a Clemson commencement for John Gary and a Georgia Tech commencement for Stephanie. We enjoyed your pride and humor at all these events! It has been an incredible journey to share all the joy that the twins have brought to the four of us.....and a host of others along the way! You were a wonderful role model they will honor all their lives. You will be missed. With love, Bill and Eva Marie Watson

I remeber so many times when one of the children or grandchildren would be in the condo here in Panama City and my phone would ring and on the other end I would hear "Jeff, Pippin Here, could you possibly do me a great favor, ________ is in the unit and I want to buy them dinner, or a birthday, or some times it was just because,.... take $100, do you have a $100 bill?, write this note lets see, write this..... no change that say.... and have someone take it up to the unit, could you do that?, can you do it right away?, I would appreciate it greatly my friend" Each time after the task was completed someone in the office would always remark "Dr. Pippin loves those kids and grand kids. Jeff Mynard, Panama City