UNMC security sergeant John Ingraham, revered for his public service, kindness, courage and empathy, died Sept. 15 after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 68.
A seasoned public safety professional, Ingraham spent 46 years with the University of Nebraska Police and Public Safety Department and helped elevate safety and security across the med center campus.
In August, Ingraham earned UNMC’s Gold U Award and was recognized at the NU Board of Regents meeting. His coworkers and colleagues described him as a caring leader who mentored new recruits and promoted a standard of professional excellence in public safety at UNMC. He brought kindness and respect to tense situations, yet could step in as the authority, if necessary, they said.
Charlotte Evans, associate vice chancellor of public safety and chief of police, lauded Ingraham’s dedication to the campus community and to his team over the decades. She added, “but more importantly, he was an amazing human being with a heart bigger than most. We will all miss him deeply.”
A familiar face across campus, Ingraham acknowledged being a “people’s person,” and said he applied for the security position on a lark after earning a college degree in vocal music education. The “dynamic” people he met and worked alongside, he said, were among the reasons he stayed so long at UNMC.
In a UNMC Today comment posted after his death, Ingraham’s wife Teresa, who retired as a student coordinator in UNMC’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2015, said: “I wanted you to know how important everyone at UNMC was to him. He always stood his ground to put your safety first. …Sincere, loving, caring, dependable are words that fall flat of describing how important all of you were to him.”
Ingraham was a staple in his church, regularly singing in the church choir. He loved dad jokes, spending time as a grandfather and often could be found in the garage working on his 1958 Chrysler Imperial or his 1935 Dodge Brothers sedan.
His department colleagues – in a public tribute Sept. 15 on X (formerly known as Twitter) – said: “John set the example for all of us – how to be better public servants every day. His lasting impact is nothing short of extraordinary.”
Ingraham is survived by his wife, three sons and numerous grandchildren.
Visitation will be Friday, Sept. 20, from 5-7 p.m. at Heafey-Hoffman-Dworak-Cutler, 7805 West Center Road in Omaha. A graveside service will be Saturday, Sept. 21, at 9:30 a.m. at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 7909 Mormon Bridge Road. The funeral service will follow on Saturday, Sept. 21, at 11 a.m. at Dundee Presbyterian Church, 5312 Underwood Ave. in Omaha.
Condolences to family and friends. Wishing you strength and comfort through this difficult time.
I worked with John when I was in Security many years ago. He was the most laid back person I’ve ever met, nothing ever seemed to bother him. I absolutely loved his corny jokes, and I heard so many over the 28 years I’ve known John. He was like a big brother to me and I admired and respected him a great deal.
The world lost an amazing human being this weekend. John was one of the kindest, most thoughtful and sincere people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. He always had a kind word for others, even when he was suffering. I will miss him greatly.
Thank you…he liked you very much. Teresa
Today I remember the kind, gentle, loving soul that’s no longer with us. There are places within our hearts that can only be filled with memories. And there are places in our souls that can only be healed by the gentle hands of time. May you find comfort knowing that my thoughts are with the family during this difficult time. With a broken heart and sadness, I join you in saying goodbye to John. He was one-of-a- kind and I’ll never forget his optimistic outlook on life. Words may not suffice to express the heartfelt sorrow that I feel for the passing of John. Please accept my condolences. Rest in peace my friend.
I am sorry to hear of John’s passing and I offer my condolences and sincere sympathy to his family. I knew John well as did everyone who spent any time on campus. He smiled for everyone, he helped everyone and he ensured everyone’s safety. He was a role model to the many officers who he mentored over the years. It was my privilege to know John. He will be missed.
Soooooo sorry to hear this. John was a UNMC legend. He will never be forgotten.
Sad to hear about John’s passing. He was so welcoming, fun, knowledgable, made us feel safe. He had a beautiful smile and voice. He was a gem! Our condolences to Theresa and the entire Ingraham family.
John was an amazing person and encountering him on campus over the years whether business or a random passing always brought a smile to my face. He always had time for a few words and you always felt better just seeing that smiling face. I have followed his journey through Theresa’s posts on FB and he has been in my prayers daily. Theresa I know for certain that he is on the short list to the golden gates because he was one of God’s stewards and an example to us all. He was also Blessed with an amazing family. Thank you for sharing his journey with us. I will continue to pray for peace and healing for you and your family.
I am so sorry to hear about John’s passing. He was a marvelous man and will be greatly missed. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Among other things we remember, when John found out our daughter was getting married, he offer his 1935 Dodge as a Limo, and himself as the Chauffeur! What heart! What class!