John Michael Beukers, 95, passed away peacefully on October 24th, 2026 at ACTS Indian River Estates in Vero Beach, Florida.

Born in London, England on June 18th, 1931 to Vera Beukers and William Henry Beukers, John enjoyed an idyllic childhood until 1939, when WWII broke out. John was one of a million children who were evacuated from London; he was sent to the Lake District in northern England. Following the war, John boarded at Dauntsey’s School in Wiltshire where he was active in music, sport, and student leadership.

After attending the University of London, where he trained as an electrical engineer, John was one of a team who tracked Sputnik, the Russian satellite - thus beginning a lifelong career in radio navigation. An internship at Standard Telegraph & Cable in London led to an opportunity in New York with General Dynamics. Once in the U.S., and always his own man, he set up Beukers Laboratories (BLI) in 1963 to develop and patent advanced tracking technology.

BLI quickly emerged as the global leader in this sector, and John became a U.S. citizen to gain the government’s highest level of security clearance. Over twenty years, BLI made equipment that tracked the President of the United States, America’s Cup yachts, and weather balloons. John was a major supporter of LORAN and was instrumental in lobbying the U.S. government to adopt LORAN as a backup to GPS. In 1984, John sold BLI to VIZ (now part of Lockheed Martin) and after a few years helping to integrate the combined company, he retired from business life.

After raising their family in Stony Brook, New York, John and his wife Marilyn spent the next fifteen years dividing their time between Longborough, England and Vero Beach. On both sides of the Atlantic, John remained devoted to his lifelong passions for gardening, music, and community service.

In 2003, John and Marilyn became full-time residents of Vero Beach, and were active at Trinity Episcopal Church, with the Vero Beach Choral Society, and in the community. John became a Master Gardener and oversaw the garden at the Gifford Youth Achievement Center (GYAC). Known as “Mr. John” to the children, his volunteer work at the GYAC included teaching them about science, gardening, and nature.

In his final years, John made his home at ACTS Indian River Estates, where he was grateful for the kindness and compassion of their devoted caregivers and staff.

John will be remembered for his deep faith, unwavering discipline, integrity, and selfless leadership. Always the English gentleman, he touched those around him with his warmth, ready smile, and enduring optimism. His kindness and quiet strength left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by Marilyn, his wife of 59 years. He is survived by his son Christopher (Alice), his daughter Catherine, and four grandchildren.

A memorial service is planned for January 7th, 2027 at 11:00am at Trinity Episcopal Church in Vero Beach. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent In Memory Of John Beukers to Trinity Episcopal Church & School at:  https://trinityvero.org/give/  (scroll down for online giving or mailing instructions)