John Randall Ferguson

John Randall Ferguson, 43, died June 16, 2020 at home surrounded by family and in the arms of his wife and soulmate Rachel Elizabeth Crosbie. The beloved son, baby brother and loyal friend battled Acute Myeloid Leukemia with characteristic stubbornness and wit. To the end, his greatest joy in life was parenting his 5-year-old daughter Eleanor Elizabeth Ferguson.
He is survived by his parents Betty Joanna (nee Ellis) and Prentiss James Ferguson; sister Beth Todd (Doug Todd); brother Cliff Ferguson (Donna Ferguson); brother Paul Ferguson; and his many beloved nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his brother Prentiss Ferguson, Jr.
Born in Metairie, LA, John grew up loving Mardi Gras parades, King Cakes, Hubig’s Pies and the Saints. He was proud of the jambalaya and chili recipes he honed over the years cooking for his family. John’s father instilled in him a deep appreciation for the nature in Louisiana and John in turn loved being outdoors, sharing his knowledge of wildlife with his daughter.
John’s two greatest talents were his sense of humor and his artistic ability. Many a New Orleanian has seen and appreciated his art, but he never signed his name to his work, preferring to remain anonymous. John had a whimsical soul and had many collections of things that brought him joy from comic books and old coins to graphic tees and Pez dispensers. He also collected random trivia and was the driving force behind locally renowned Pub Trivia team, “Slick Sauce Johnny and the Mystery Maven.” John’s interest in history was influenced by his deep familial roots in historic Natchez, MS where both of his parents were raised and where many dear members of his extended family reside to this day. That John was a thoughtful man of deeply held convictions was evidenced in everything from his many long lasting friendships to his staunchly progressive political opinions.
John’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Ochsner’s Tom and Rita Benson Cancer Center and the Bone Marrow Transplant Team and the many people who have donated blood in his name. Memorial service details to be determined at a later date. In lieu of flowers, John’s family requests that donations be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at www.LLS.org.

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