Obituary of John Howard Ingram

John Howard Ingram, son of the late Reverend N. Henry, Sr., and Vera H. Ingram, was born February 2, 1956, in Camden, New Jersey. On the evening of June 1, 2023, with family by his side, John answered the call and transitioned peaceably. Affectionately known as Johnny, John grew up in a Christian home where his parents instilled the love of God, family, and others. Johnny accepted Christ at a young age and was baptized at First Nazarene Baptist Church in Camden, NJ. Johnny attended Camden City Public Schools and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School Class of 1974. Even though Johnny was the sixth child out of nine children, Johnny was, and forever will be known as, “Vera Ingram’s Number One Son!” Johnny’s father, the late Rev. Ingram, was an accomplished musician, and his mother, the late Vera Ingram, was a singer. They inspired and encouraged all their children to express themselves creatively through their chosen musical instrument(s). The instruments Johnny chose, studied, and mastered were the baritone, tuba, keyboards, and drums. While Johnny loved learning and playing, it was Johnny’s voice, coupled with his skill as a drummer, that paved the way for the professional journey Johnny was blessed to travel. Commitment to excellence and exceptional musicality enabled Johnny to turn his God-given gifts as a musician, recording artist, performer, composer, and producer into his lifelong profession. With Johnny as lead vocalist and drummer for The Ingrams, a group comprised of his siblings, Johnny recorded and produced seven albums. As a solo artist, Johnny recorded two solo albums and four singles. Johnny with The Ingrams toured the United States and the United Kingdom, promoting their albums. Johnny also performed and recorded with many acclaimed artists, most notably the one and only Patti Labelle. Johnny recorded for and toured with Patti Labelle as a drummer and singer, along with his late sister Barbara Ingram, cousin Carla Benson, and late friend Evette Benton. In addition, Johnny appeared in several music videos and the movie A Soldiers Story. Johnny completed additional tours: Your Arms Too Short to Box With God, Standing in the Shadows of Motown, and The Funk Brothers. Later in life, when Johnny stopped touring, his reputation as an amazing artist enabled him to secure many long-standing contracts with various venues throughout the tri-state area. Johnny traveled the world sharing his gifts and talents. His last musical run was his absolute best. During the final years of Johnny’s musical career, he served as the Minister of Music for Saint John Baptist Church of Pennsauken in Pennsauken, New Jersey. Family was everything to Johnny. Whether you called him Dad, Uncle Johnny, John Howard, J-Pop, Johnny Dollar, Fat John, or Poppa John, when you called, you knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that he would be there for you. Johnny had a huge heart and an even bigger personality. Johnny went above and beyond for everyone who crossed his path. As we reflect upon his life and legacy, we praise God for each moment he shared with us. Each memory is a melody in perfect harmony, writing the symphony that we will play over and over in our hearts and our minds. It is not a goodbye. It’s simply, “See you later!” Sleep in peace, Johnny. Johnny leaves to mourn his passing and celebrate his life, daughters, Pilar Ingram Wade (Aaron) and Taylor Ingram; grandson, Aaron Wade, Jr.; siblings, Norman “Butch” Ingram (Sharon), James “Jimmy” Ingram (Renee), William “Billy” Ingram (Cindy), Robert “Timmy” Ingram (Rhonda), Edith Ingram Gardener (Tre’), Virginia Ingram Sye (Charles); stepchildren, Daniel Munoz and family, Shawn Munoz and family, Stefanie Barbour, and family; The Khan family including Sherena and his special princess Selena, Janice and the Johnson family, Roxanne, and the Frazier family; and a host of nieces, nephews, family members, and friends. In Lieu of Flowers please send donations to St. John Baptist Church Pennsauken, NJ