* John J. Classick; Former Church Missionary

John J. Classick, a former missionary, died unexpectedly Sunday at his home in Ventura. He was 61.

He was born on Jan. 4, 1939, in Richmond, Calif., and had been a 10-year county resident after moving here from Tulsa, Okla.

He received a bachelor’s degree from Concordia Senior College in Fort Wayne, Ind., in 1960.

Four years later he earned a master’s of divinity degree from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and served as a missionary from 1964 to 1973.

His pastoral duties continued at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Blackwell, Okla., from 1973 to 1979 and at Zion Lutheran Church in Chelsea, Okla., until 1987.

Throughout his career, he was an alcohol and chemical abuse counselor.

In Ventura County, he worked at Ojai Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, Ojai Valley School, Primary Purpose and the Point Cafe. He was also self-employed as a Super Cab driver and co-owner of Classick-Moses Delivery Service.

At the time of his death, he was planning to devote himself full time to his business.

Classick is survived by his sons, Mark and John Patrick Classick, and daughter, Paula Classick-Bennett.

Memorial services are scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Friday at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, with Pastor Al Young of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Simi Valley officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ventura Alano Club, 375 E. Main St., Ventura, 93001.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home in Ventura.