John Stanley Atwell, Jr.
John Stanley Atwell, Jr, of Calera, Alabama passed away on Sunday, November 9th in Birmingham. He was 79 years old.
John was born in Pasadena, California on March 12, 1946 to Elizabeth and John S Atwell, Sr. He graduated from Hilltop High School in Chula Vista, California, and served as a weapons mechanic in the Air Force from 1963-1967. John completed tours of duty in Turkey, Italy, and Vietnam, and also served in the Navy Reserve.
For more than 40 years, John worked as a commercial real estate appraiser and was a Member of the Appraisal Institute. He used his extensive appraisal knowledge and wealth of entertaining stories to teach more than 1,200 students the ins-and-outs of commercial real estate during his years at CoStar, Inc.
John married his high school sweetheart, Sandra Pollak, in 1966 with whom he had a son, Justin. In 1981, John married Johanna Jamison and became a stepfather to Jennifer and James, and they subsequently welcomed their daughter Jessica. John and Johanna lived in Carlsbad and Vista, California, Mount Airy, Maryland, and Calera, Alabama.
John loved canoeing on the Colorado River, longboard surfing Terramar and Igor’s in Carlsbad, and riding his Wide Glide Harley Davidson through the winding roads of Maryland and Alabama.
John is survived by his wife Johanna, his four children, ten grandchildren, and two beloved cats.
I was deeply saddened to hear about John’s passing. He was not only a valued former colleague but also a remarkable teacher and mentor to so many of us. His passion for commercial real estate and his ability to share knowledge through stories made a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege to learn from him.
Beyond his professional contributions, John’s warmth and adventurous spirit always shone through. It’s clear from his life story that he lived fully and touched many lives along the way, including my kids who he taught how to surf.
My heartfelt condolences go out to Johanna, his children, grandchildren, and all who loved him. He will be remembered with great respect and fondness.
I met John in San Diego in the late 60s then he called & he was in Pearl Harbor. I picked him & his buddy up then spent 4 or 5 days just exploring & showing him the island of Oahu. We had some serious talks & some great food & drinks. I’ll always remember that time with John. He was, in my terms ‘a good guy’. He will be remembered & missed. Fair Winds & Following Seas John, may you find peace & comfort in the arms of the heavens..
John is my cousin. We grew up together in Chula Vista Calif. Our families lived in close proximity to each other, but we attended separate school systems.
We always had great fun together while growing up when our families would get together for special holidays, birthdays, and various celebrations.
When John would relate his experiences while in the Air Force back when we were young, those conversations helped to convince me to join as well. And I am forever grateful to him for his guidance. My sincere condolences to Johanna, and all the Atwell family.
Rest in peace cousin. You will be missed!
Uncle John, my mom’s brother growing up. I remember the VW van all done up to travel around and surf. I remember the smiles. I remember he bought me my first suit prior to a school dance. I had that suit all through high school. I was a lot shorter than Uncle John. That suit helped stand tall. I have found memories of him and will cherish them for the rest of my life. My deepest condolences to the whole family.
Love,
Scott
I met John at Frederick HOG back in, maybe, 2011. John, Johanna, Jim and I became fast friends. John was larger than life in his stature, his stories, his laugh and in his heart. I remember when we went to Sturgis, we were having a great time, but John couldn’t wait to get home – Johanna had adopted KITTENS! He loved those kittens like he loved his family. He will be missed. Rest in peace my friend.
I met John and his wife briefly when they moved from California and were selecting cabinets for their new home and we talked about Harley Davidson motorcycles. It was a few years later that I was walking into a HOG meeting for the first time and John said, ” follow me, i’ll show you the way”. We started to ride a socialize together and became great friends, John and Johnanna became part of our family. We would always have our Sunday rides and pool time on the hot summer days. We had countless dinners and conversations about many things including John’s belief in alien’s. Johanna, Jessica, Justin, Jennifer and James, he will be missed by all. He was a great “dude” Love ya John, keep riding in the sky, we’ll meet again someday.
John was a lovely guy. Smart, funny and passionate about his work. Sorry to learn of his passing.
I met John recently, three years ago, when I joined the Heart of Dixie HOG Chapter in Pelham, AL. John was one of the first to introduce himself to me, shake my hand and welcome me. I often rode behind John on HOG Chapter Group Riders. Always enjoyed listening to his MC Safety briefs. Check your Tire Pressure, only have two wheels. Every time I check my MC Tire Pressure, I think 🤔 of John. RIP Brother.
I am so sad at the loss of John. He was a wonderful man, a great friend and riding buddy. My condolences go out to Johanna and his family. Until we meet again.
am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of John. He was truly a legend at CoStar Group one of the sweetest, most caring, and thoughtful people we had the privilege to work with. His professionalism, kindness, and incredible sense of humor made a lasting impact on everyone around him. He was an exceptional trainer and colleague, and he always spoke with such love and pride about his wife Johanna and children. John will be so greatly missed, and his memory will continue to live on in all of us who were lucky enough to know him.
We at MountainSeed learned this sad news today. Our hearts are broken. We enjoyed working with him very much. He was so kind and knowledgeable. He contributed greatly and was such a joy to chat with. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Jane Mardis
I was deeply saddened to hear of John Atwell’s passing. John was not only a wonderful colleague but also a remarkable storyteller who had a gift for bringing people together through his words and warmth. His kindness, humor, and genuine spirit made every interaction memorable. He will be greatly missed, and my thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Rest in peach John!
I was deeply saddened to hear of John Atwell’s passing. John was not only a wonderful colleague but also a remarkable storyteller who had a gift for bringing people together through his words and warmth. His kindness, humor, and genuine spirit made every interaction memorable. He will be greatly missed, and my thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Rest in peace John!
I was deeply saddened to hear of John Atwell’s passing. John was not only a wonderful colleague but also a remarkable storyteller who had a gift for bringing people together through his words and warmth. His kindness, humor, and genuine spirit made every interaction memorable. He will be greatly missed, and my thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Rest in peace John.