John Sawyer ’47

John died July 9, 2015, in Hyde Park, Ohio.

He graduated from the Lawrenceville School in 1943 and enlisted in the Air Force shortly after, where he became a B-17 pilot. John entered Princeton immediately after his discharge in November 1945 and graduated in 1949 with a bachelor’s degree in economics.

John had a very interesting and distinguished career — he started the J. Sawyer Co., a multifaceted agricultural and real estate firm. He was a pioneer in the aerial application of crop pesticides and was inducted into the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame.

John was a founder of the Cincinnati Bengals and acted as the team’s president from 1968 through 1993. He was part of a trio that represented Cincinnati during the city’s bid to gain an American Football League franchise, and also was a former part owner of the Cincinnati Reds. He served on the leadership team that helped construct Riverfront Stadium. John gave generously to many organizations and charities. He was unassuming and approachable and had an ability to make people feel special. 

His wife, Ruth, predeceased him. The class extends its deepest sympathy to John’s four daughters, 13 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, who survive him.