John Alan Bishop

Mr. John Alan Bishop, Sr. was born on June 12, 1944 in Sidney, NE. His battle with cancer ended the night of September 8, 2010 in Pass Christain, MS at his home surrounded by his family.
John was a big man with an even bigger heart. Everyone who met him knew he was a special person.
John enjoyed sports more than anything, especially football - playing, then coaching, and in his later years cheering on his favorite teams. He started his football career as a Nebraska Cornhusker, playing in the Orange Bowl and winning the 1964 National Championship.
He earned a full football scholarship to Delta State University, Cleveland, MS and after his senior year was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League.
While attending Delta State he met and married the love of his life, Linda Dyche Bishop. Upon graduation, he and Linda started teaching/coaching in Orlando, FL. A teaching job brought them to Pascagoula, MS where he eventually went into the Insurance business. He was very successful as president of Bishop Insurance Company/Brokers, which he guided for 40+ yrs.
John was very community oriented. Throughout his life, he volunteered his time to many schools and organizations, especially the Catholic School System. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Pascagoula, former president and member of Rotary International in Pascagoula and Diamondhead.
He coached so many different kids in Football, Baseball and Basketball that he was known by everyone as ""Coach Bishop"".
He had a large Catholic family, 5 children and 10 grandchildren. He always wanted the best for them. One of his biggest joys was to have his entire family surround him with laughter and listening to ""Crazy Bishop Stories"" from his children and grandchildren.
He leaves behind his beautiful wife of 43 yrs., Linda (Pass Christian, MS), his children, Amy Bishop Coakley (Chris) (Pascagoula, MS), Joseph Bishop (Pass Christian, MS), James Bishop (Lisa) (Ocean Springs, MS), Jediah Bishop (Newport, Rhode Island). Grandchildren - Katie and Lauren Coakley (Pascagoula, MS), Joseph Jr., Jaime and Jacob Bishop (Pass Christian, MS), Ryan Bishop (Ocean Springs, MS), Haleigh Bishop (Mandeville, LA) and Josh and Bailey Bishop (Hattiesburg, MS). His brother, Jim Bishop (Linda) (Redmond, WA) and sister, Helen Asche (Dick) (Chandler, AZ). Linda's family Pearl and Son Dyche, Joe Dyche, Alice Kendrick (Mike). In addition, numerous nieces, nephews and some great friends.
He was preceded in death by his son, John Jr., his parents, Earl Cecil and Mary Ellen, and granddaughter, Brooke.
His family is sad but comforted knowing that he is with his son, Johnny, the Bishop Clan and the Lord.
Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday September 11, 2010, at 1:00 PM at Holy Family Catholic Church (Lourdes), Menge Avenue, Pass Christian, MS, where friends and family may visit at 12:00 PM until Mass. Burial will follow in Live Oak Cemetery, Pass Christian, MS.
The RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Kiln-DeLisle Road in charge of arrangements and memories may be shared at www.riemannfamily.com