John T. Coursey's Obituary
John T. Coursey, 78 years of age of Bridgeton, NJ, passed away on Friday June 13, 2014 at Inspira Health Center, Vineland, NJ. Born in Bridgeton, NJ, he was the son of the late Howard L. Coursey and Louise J. Coursey, and the husband of Wanda Coursey. John flourished and grew up in the Bridgeton area and had been a resident for most of his life until he relocated to Detroit and resided for 13 years until his return in 1979.
During his life in Detroit, John served as the Director of Security for Motown Records under the CEO & founder, Barry Gordy. Upon Motown’s move to Los Angeles, CA, John later founded and owned JOWA Security Services in Detroit, MI and JOWA Security in Bridgeton, NJ and continued to manage the companies for many years until his retirement. Hired in 1959 by the Federal Bureau of Narcotics (FBN), later known as the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), he carved out an illustrious tenure as a pioneering undercover investigative officer for several years in New York City and established a national reputation for gaining a record number of indictments and criminal convictions. John’s outstanding law enforcement record was later chronicled in Douglas Valentine’s 2004 successful (book), “The Strength of the Wolf” (The Secret History of America’s War on Drugs).
In addition, he was a member of the Association of Former Narcotics Agents (AFFNA), and also a member of the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS). John served his nation as a proud veteran of the US. Marine Corp, a longtime member of the Bridgeton African American Union (BAAU), and member of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, Bridgeton, NJ. Though an exceptional career professional and executive in law enforcement and business owner, John was a humanitarian and altruist, as often evidenced by seeing him work in his yard and by making community financial contributions, giving quality time to mentor younger professionals, and in his investment of time with his family and many friends. He touched and influenced a significant number of black professionals on a national level.
He is survived by his wife Wanda, his two sisters, Ethel Coursey, Cora Thomas of Bridgeton, his sister-in-laws, Barbara Coursey, Jean Coursey, and many nieces and nephews and various relatives. John was predeceased by his parents and by one son, “Kyle Coursey” in 1992, and four brothers, Howard Coursey Jr., Richard Coursey, Donald Coursey, and Edward Coursey.
Family and friends are invited to attend funeral services on Saturday, June 21, 2014 at 12:00 p.m. at Mt. Zion AME Church, 207 Vine Street, Bridgeton, NJ. The internment will be at Overlook Cemetery, Bridgeton, NJ. Friends may call on Saturday morning from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church.
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