John Edward Angell

Feb 25, 1939 -

Aug 26, 2026

John E. Angell, 87, died peacefully, surrounded by family on Aug. 26, 2026, in Anchorage. Born on Feb. 25,1939 in Gallia County, Ohio, John built a life defined by public service, higher education, and lasting contributions to the field of justice. John graduated from Beavercreek High School (Ohio) and then enlisted in the U.S. Army serving as a military police officer. While stationed in Korea, he helped an orphanage by delivering needed supplies provided by a fundraiser organized by his family in Ohio. For this and other efforts, he received many honors from the Alaska Korean Veterans Society. After leaving the Army, John became a police officer in Xenia, Ohio and pursued higher education attending Central State University of Ohio, Kent State University, and Michigan State University where he earned a Ph.D. in 1975. While working toward his Ph.D., John successfully implemented and reported his original ideas for "Team Policing" which would eventually become a foundation for "Community Policing" later adopted by many police departments. John served as Director of Dayton Ohio's Police Academy and was later hired as one of the founding faculty members of the new Justice Center at the University of Alaska Anchorage eventually being appointed the first Dean of the UAA School of Justice. Over the years, John was active in assisting many police and justice organizations around the country from New York to Oregon. Always adventurous he once biked by himself from Chugiak to Skagway.

John is survived by his wife, Jan; his children, Lisa Angell (Tom Wall), Eric Angell (Sara), Candice Anderson (Terry), and Louanne Navrot (Dan); 12 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; as well as his sisters, Glenna Angel, Louisa Terry (George Grove), and Donna Burrus (John). He was predeceased by his brother, Rev. Marlin Angel (Deloris).