John R. Black, U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel (Retired)

John R. Black, a globally recognized expert in Lean operations and a trailblazer in healthcare transformation, passed away on February 12, 2025, in Seattle. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Joanne Poggetti, their daughter Maria, and his children Lauri, Shane, Heidi, and Ben.

Born on December 26, 1940, in Spokane, Washington, to John Wesley and Juliana Agatha (Tomsha) Black, John grew up on the family homestead in Chewelah. He attended Gonzaga Preparatory School before graduating as a Distinguished Military Graduate from Gonzaga University with a B.A. in Sociology. He later earned an M.A. in Human Resource Development and an MBA. A graduate of the U.S. Army's Command and General Staff College, John went on to author four influential books on Lean operations.  An accomplished songwriter, he performed and produced seven albums and numerous music videos.

A Life of Service and Leadership

John was deeply proud of his military service. As a U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, he served two tours in Vietnam and was stationed in Germany during the Cold War with U.S. Army Europe. His distinguished service earned him numerous awards, including two Bronze Star Medals for Meritorious Achievement, the Republic of Vietnam Staff Service Medal, First Class, and multiple Meritorious Service and Army Commendation Medals. His commitment to honoring his fellow veterans continued beyond his service, including his over two-decade involvement with the Vietnam Women's Memorial.

Revolutionizing Industry and Healthcare

A pioneer of Lean management, John first introduced the principles of Dr. W. Edwards Deming and Dr. Joseph Juran to The Boeing Company, where he directed the Quality Improvement Center. His leadership in Lean Manufacturing revolutionized Boeing's airplane production, fostering a culture of efficiency and excellence. His expertise led to an appointment on President Reagan's White House Council on Productivity, where he influenced national policy on industrial efficiency.

Yet John's impact extended far beyond manufacturing. He and Joanne's pioneering work in applying Lean principles to healthcare at Peace Health blazed the trail for his transformational work with Virginia Mason Medical Center, Saskatchewan Health, and countless other healthcare organizations.  Through John Black and Associates, he spearheaded a movement to transform healthcare delivery, ensuring that patient care remained at the heart of operational improvements. John proved that efficiency and compassion could coexist.

The Heart of a Storyteller and Musician

John was not only a leader in business and healthcare but also an artist at heart. A gifted musician and songwriter, he recorded his first album while still at Gonzaga and continued to create music that honored veterans and reflected on the trials of war. His most well-known album, Meet Me in Vietnam, captured the emotions of those who served. John performed before 50,000 spectators at the Kansas City Speedway a song he wrote to honor his good friend Roger Donlon, the first Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipient. His children's album, Maria and Me, both written by and recorded with his then four year old daughter, Maria was a personal and cherished project that reflected his love for family and music.

A Legacy That Endures

John was a force of nature—an innovator, a mentor, a soldier, and a musician. He approached life with boundless energy, curiosity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His contributions to healthcare and Lean management, his dedication to honoring veterans, and his passion for storytelling will live on in the many lives he touched. John R. Black will be missed but never forgotten. His legacy of service, innovation, and humanity will continue to inspire generations to come.

A private ceremony was held.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Vietnam Women's Memorial Fund, c/o Eastern National, 1301 Virginia Drive, Suite 425, Fort Washington, PA 19034.