John Arthur Rutherford

To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.

Obituary

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Johnny (aka Shark, Sharky, Sincere), who was born on August 19, 1965 and passed away on August 25, 2026 in Bronx, NY.


Johnny will be remembered for his humor, storytelling, and his ability to bring people together. Family, long-time friends, neighbors, and service providers all experienced the warmth and sincerity that made time spent with Johnny meaningful.

John Arthur Rutherford was born on August 19, 1965, in Union, SC, and raised in the Bronx, NY. He had a deep athletic foundation in the martial arts (karate) and gymnastics, and he was a gifted artist. Johnny attended the Bronx High School of Science and honed his drawing skills. Because of his athleticism, breakdancing came very easy for him and so did the nickname “Shark” or “Sharkie”. His first job was working as a parking attendant at Yankee Stadium in 1984. He eventually began working in various jobs in construction and security for the greater part of his life. 
In the late 1980s Johnny met Lisa Hernandez of the Bronx, NY and they had a daughter named Lerissa Rutherford (38), who was his first child. His daughter had three sons later in her life. 
Johnny spent much of his time seeking to learn and understand the deeper things of humanity and life, through his connections with scholars and philosophers. He eventually was called “Sincere” or “Sincere Understanding”. He read books and researched up until he transitioned.
In 2007 Johnny started working for the Southern Regional Headquarters of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ of The Apostolic Faith, Inc. in Columbia, SC. It was there that he began an interest in the college’s curriculum in ministry and attended classes. Johnny was baptized there by Bishop Bonner himself, and he began to serve the church fully, attended prayer services, and created lasting relationships. Although life took him in a different direction, he never forgot his connection with Refuge Temple, Columbia, SC family. 
When Johnny relocated back to New York City, he reconnected with the Greater Refuge Temple Church of NY family and begin visited services in recent years before his passing. On Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at age 61, in the Bronx, NY, John Arthur Rutherford passed away. He was preceded in passing by his father, Johnny Lee Beaty of Union, SC. He is survived by his Mother, Belinda Rutherford (Hills) Smith, his daughter, Lerissa Rutherford and her three sons, Lyle, Levi, and Lerion; his siblings Eugene Rutherford, Johnny Beaty, Kelly Buchanan, Keya Riggins, Brian Hills, and Brother-in-law, Don Riggins. He also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, more family, and many friends. We will remember and miss him as he takes his rest.

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