John Sleeper Danner, Jr., a humanitarian, activist, visionary, musician and a lover of life, died early Monday, October 19, 2015. John's commitment to causes spanned his entire life and ranged from focuses on education to his endless commitment to world hunger and Native American issues. He spoke through music, writing several musicals and always slapping his thighs to the beat if he didn't have an instrument to play.

John was born in OKC February 27, 1948. Growing up in Tulsa, John graduated from Edison HS in 1966. He was an all state football player and wrestler, played bass in the Jazz Band and was Governor of Boys State. John graduated from OU with a BA in 1970. At OU he was in the President's Leadership Class, President of the Senior Class, ROTC, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and most recently was awarded as a Distinguished Alumni. He played for Jimmy Carter's inauguration along with Hal Clifford.

John had an extremely versatile career: He was instrumental in organizing Washington HS as the first magnet school in Tulsa; founded the Community Media Center which published The Whole Tulsa Catalog- A guide to Urban Survival; wrote and produced the musical The Apostle Paul, which was performed at the PAC with his talented friends; worked at TIC-ADA: Tulsa Indian Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse and became very involved in Native American issues; worked for Steve Wozniak for the US Festival in California in the early '80's which blended technology with rock music; brought together people of great diversity to brainstorm, jam, create and celebrate life. John always had a big picture of how to transform the world to end hunger and make it a better place for all.

John had 40 years of experience in public-private partnerships in business, government, non-profits and Native American economic issues. He worked closely with Colin Powell creating and organizing the President's Summit on America's Future. He worked with the Gandhi foundation to present Nelson Mandela the award of Man of the Year. John had opportunities to work with mayors, senators, presidents, as well as entertainers such as Quincy Jones, John Denver, and Chubby Checker. John was most proud of his latest project of writing an educational book: The Very Secret Journals of Otter Redwater and the Race to The Top of Turkey Mountain.

John was preceded in in death by his father, Jack Danner, Sr. He is survived by his mother Mary (Bunny) Danner, sister Diane Moore (Don), brother Dr. Dan Danner (Susan), nephew B.J. Danner (Jane) and his former wives Lynda Jacobs and Linda Cooper. A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, Oct. 26, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. at the Jazz Hall of Fame — 1st and Boston.

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