John Waldsmith

John Waldsmith
Considered one of America’s foremost authorities of the study and curation of antique photography, John S. Waldsmith of Medina died at the age of 79 on March 29. John was co-founder of the National Stereoscopic Association, creator of the organization’s Stereo World Magazine and the publication’s editor for its first seven years. He organized the association’s first national conventions and later served as NSA’s Activities Vice President. Following his involvement with the NSA, John was a dealer in antique photography, author of “Stereo Views: An Illustrated History & Price Guide” and other books, including, “Mementoes of Home: The Photographic Legacy of A.F. Styles.” John was instrumental in renewed interest in Ohio photographer H.G. Olds, revered for a series of photographic expeditions in Argentina from 1900 to 1927. He served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Photographic Historical Society of America. 

John was born on March 11, 1945 in Akron. After starting his collegiate studies at the University of Kentucky, John relocated with his family to Columbus, Ohio. He joined the United States Coast Guard in 1966, proudly serving aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Unimak, homeported in Cape May, New Jersey. Following active duty, he served in the Coast Guard Reserve as a helmsman. John was employed by Wohl Shoe Company, operator of specialty stores and shoe departments in major department stores. John managed a shoe department in Grand Forks, North Dakota and a company store at Merle Hay Plaza in Des Moines, Iowa. Returning to Columbus, he was a department manager at The Fashion, and, later, at The Union in Upper Arlington. During this time, John studied photographic history at Ohio State University. His passion for antique stereo photography led him to found John Waldsmith’s Antique Graphics with a shop and offices in Sycamore, Ohio. 

At an antique auction in 1991, John met Janet Vanselow, and, later that year, he married his forever love on September 14, 1991. They honeymooned in Paris, the first of many adventures in international travel. Their shared love of antiques and collecting was evident in John’s enthusiasm for Janet’s search of vintage advertising dolls and pie birds, while Janet supported John’s passion for photography of a bygone era. A lifelong man of faith, John was a member of several Christian churches before joining Janet’s church, historic Granger United Methodist. He was active in Bible studies and the congregation’s ministry to the homeless. John is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Lois Waldsmith, his wife, Janet Lee Vanselow Waldsmith, and his brother and sister-in-law, David and Patricia Fletcher Waldsmith. He is survived by brothers and sisters-in-law, James (Marilyn) Waldsmith, Thomas (Judy) Waldsmith, nieces, nephews and cousin, Margaret Baird.

John’s family is grateful to the dedicated and loving caregivers at Akron’s Heritage Crossing Assisted Living as well as caregivers, nurses and hospice nurses at The Manor at Greendale in Findlay. Monetary gifts may be given in John’s memory to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, Inc. 

A service of remembrance will be held at Granger United Methodist Church. Saturday, April 27th. Visitation is at 1 p.m., followed by the service at 2 p.m. and inurnment at Moore’s Chapel Cemetery in Bath where he will be laid to rest alongside his beloved, Janet.

THE SERVICE WILL BE LIVE STREAMED: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwhawcVBY7c

On behalf of John’s family and many friends, we are comforted by the knowledge that this gentle man made our world a better place through his many loving acts of selfless kindness.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N Miller Road  Akron, OH  44333.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.