We know that John was much loved by many of you. We would love to share your memories, stories and tributes to him – please add them to the comments below and we will gather them together to share with his family.
John’s wish was always for the Trust to continue his work – to make a donation in his memory, please click here.
What a man he was – let’s secure his legacy together.
Zephaniah Trust 
The Hartley family pass on our condolences to the family x
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John was a wonderful man, a ray of sunshine, joy and giggles – a genuinely caring friend.
The children at school loved his stories & joined his songs with laughter & delight during his assemblies.
John and I talked about the pressures , struggles, successes and changes facing us in the world of education. We marvelled at the questions, behaviours & surprises that young children display on a daily basis.
He was a lovely listener and a supportive friend. I will miss him very much.
With love, Lucy (Lothersdale Primary).
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John Froud, what a man, what a legend to many. Many children have sat before him, my two boys included.
they’d come home humming and singing the beautiful songs he taught.
just as Jesus’s nature, he always welcome the children in such a gentle respectful manner.
he shared Jesus heart ❤️
my eldest now a firm follower of jesus, me too, my youngest, I believe is on his way, in a pig sty at moment, but Jesus knows and is with him. This is because a child trained when young, will return to the things they’ve been taught
so im incredibly grateful for beautiful people like John and his ministry!
I ask Jesus peace for Sheena and family.
but im sure he’s in the best place singing praises eternally
massive love, blessings of His peace to you all !
MIchaela Edwards
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I first met John when I started working as a music teacher in various primary schools across Bradford. The first time I got to witness his assembly I was in awe! The man had magical powers. Rows of year 6 children hanging on his every word!
I was so happy to see John more and more as we constantly bumped into each other at various schools and churches especially St cuthberts.
He is a wonderful human that I’m sure we will never find one quite like again.
My thoughts to his family and friends at this very sad time, but I hope your happy memories keep you going.
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John I hope you can see how appreciated you are by the whole community, you and your message will never be forgotten. I feel lucky to have had so many chats with you over the years. Gone but never forgotten
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Watched many of John’s assemblies at Shipley CE and then other schools after I left there. Always a kind, friendly man who was a pleasure to talk to whether as a teacher to his daughter and grandson or later, as I considered him, as a friend. Always happy and ready to share a joke. My daughter also remembers him fondly when he visited Priestthorpe primary. Rest well John. You have given joy to many and that will always be your legacy. X
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John was such a Light! He helped me through some dark times and way a joy to see God work through, he will be missed. But I look forward to reuniting with him in Heaven…3rd Angel from the left.
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When I became a new Head Teacher of a Bradford Church of England Primary School, John was there to support, advise and guide our children and staff on their spiritual journeys.
He never ever said no to any request of support and for that I remain eternally grateful.
The children, staff, parents and governors will remember the joy, humour, peace and kindness he brought to his frequent visits to our school.
He was universally loved, an advocate for all that is good and without doubt, one of the nicest gentlemen I ever met in my teaching career.
Des Martin
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It’s hard to know what to say about so fantastic a fellow as Froudy, that other people won’t already have said far better. Every time I met him and spent time with him over the years I was bowled over by the warmth and open-hearted generosity of his character. Spending time with him in schools & churches you could instantly see the huge love he had for all the children he met, and the passion he had for them to see in themselves a little of what he saw in them. He carried that warmth into all his relationships and friendships, and I shall never forget those twinkling, mischievous eyes sparkling at me over the top of his glasses as we shared a joke over a cup of tea or (more often) an excellent Bradford curry. A giant of a man, both inside and out, the light he brought to his city will continue shining in all of us lucky enough to have met him.
Jon Buckeridge
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I first met John back in the mid-to-late 90s at “ACE” – an evening Sunday service for teenagers and young adults. I made a number of friends from there too.
John was always friendly and had a real heart to help people. I have a bunch of his CDs and regularly chatted to him about music. As I grew up and went to uni and life happened I didn’t see him as much.
But I’d bump into him every now and then and would always have a little chat and a catch-up. He was always genuinely interested in what I was up to.
The last time I spoke to him was in the Summer last year. He’d come to my Dad’s funeral and we had a nice chat. I really appreciated him coming and making the effort.
I will always have fond memories of John.
Rest in peace, good man.
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John was my teacher when I was in what was then the first year of middle school. I started babysitting for Alex and Cath when I was in year 8 and John invited myself and whoever was babysitting with me to go along to Shipley Baptist Church on a Sunday morning.
I finally became a Christian after a roundabout journey when I was nearly 19 and about to go away to uni. I ended up lodging with John, Sheena and family when I left uni after a year.
I remember so many conversations about faith and John’s kindness. I was pleased to support the Zephaniah Trust both financially and in time for many years. So many children the city over have heard about the love of Jesus and they may never have done so if it wasn’t for John. My own 3 grown up children remember his assemblies and holiday clubs fondly.
An absolute legend. He so deserves his place in heaven, back with the Lord he so loved.
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Condolences to him all the family. I used to enjoy his songs and him playing his guitar at our primary school assembly, Burley Woodhead around 20 years ago. I’ve not seen him since but I remember him really well, he even got us all singing whilst playing a song. a lovely man and made us laugh.
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Mr Froud, you taught me to play guitar, you let me use yours as I preferred it to mine. You encouraged my love of folk music and the beatles even though my ‘offical’ music teacher want to teach me classical.
I meet you again later in life at the Bradford City ground stands. You were stood behind me. You is that you Albert (your nickname for me)? I turned and there you were! I said hello Sir, you said call me John, I couldn’t you were and always would be Sir or Mr Froud.
You always supported everyone you came in touch with, no matter what. You will be so missed but your legacy will live on.
Thank you for everything Sir, Mr Froud ♥️
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I remember the warmth Mr Froud brought with him everywhere he went. The joy, the light and the music.
Not a Christian myself, I have often found myself dissapointed by the Christianity I see espoused in society, I could never understand the appeal. Mr Froud wasn’t like that, he was so thoroughly Christian and so thoroughly joyful, he celebrated Jesus with his every breath and he shared that happiness, it radiated out of him. I see Christianity, religion even, in a completely different way, because of Mr Froud. If you asked me to draw the very concept of a “good Christian” it would be him.
Mr Froud didn’t preach, he modelled, he demonstrated, he shared and growing from the little girl I was when I first knew him from school into the adult who now teaches children herself, I appreciated his approach more and more. Bumping into him at a celebratory church service for my own children I was as delighted to see him as I had been seeing him in assemblies as a little girl. Somehow he hadn’t changed at all in over twenty years.
The loss for the community is bigger than I can describe, Mr Froud was so widely loved and respected, he spread the message of joy and hope so widely and generously. His family must be so proud of him, and while heartbroken at their loss I hope they feel some comfort seeing the outpouring of love and grief on social media as the area joins together to mourn the loss, and celebrate the life of this wonderful human being.
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One of the kindest people I’ve ever met and one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. I have so many fond memories — especially being part of “The Band With No Name” and going on tour around the local primary schools.
Thank you for the laughter, the music, and the encouragement.
Have fun in heaven, Mr Froud.
Love,
Gnasher x
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I have so many musical memories of John. From seeing him in concert, to playing his songs on BBC Radio Humberside, and reviewing his CDs for the NFN Publication. Thank you John. RIP.
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Happy memories of Mr Froud teaching us at Wycliffe Middle School in the late 70s; such a kind and patient teacher, especially when we were annoying him and his wife having our midnight snacks on school trips! Such was his legacy that even our grown daughter remembers him visiting her primary school. Rest easy Mr Froud.
Rachel Hartley (nee Teale)
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I was lucky enough to have you as a teacher when I was just learning to settle into life in England. You were so kind, and helped me and all the class to love music and nature. I made lifelong friends in that time.
With all my thoughts to your friends and family,
Katja
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I was lucky enough to have Mr Froud as a teacher when I was first settling into life in England. His kindness helped me to love the language, love music and make lifelong friends.
I’m thinking of everyone who is missing him right now, and love that his music continues.
Love from Katja
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I first encountered John, like many people, in primary school assemblies. For many years he came to Holybrook Primary in Greengates – where Mrs Froud was our music teacher for a while. In many ways, John was my first exposure to live music. To this day, I still remember the words and actions to ‘My God Shall Supply’ and ‘Joy in my Heart’, which is a testament to how memorable his songwriting was!
His visits to school continued as I grew older throughout my time at Immanuel College, and I had a particularly memorable encounter with him at our annual prize giving at Bradford Cathedral in around 2011-12. I’d been chosen to receive the Zephaniah Prize for Music, and John sought me out afterwards to have a conversation. He shook my hand, congratulated me, and we had a quick chat about the sort of music we were into. He told me to stick at it, and it’s something that’s stayed with me ever since.
After I’d graduated university, I found myself back at Immanuel as a teacher, where by an incredible coincidence, his grandaughter Thea was in my form group for 5 years. It was a joy to see John still come and do assemblies throughout this time with the same wit and energy I remembered from all those years ago.
The outpouring of love I’ve seen over the past 24 hours since the sad news of John’s passing is indicative of how much an impact someone can have through music, and simply by being a kind soul.
Sending my sincere love and condolences to his entire family, in particular Mrs Froud and Thea.
Rest in peace, John.
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remember being at primary school and having trips often to the church or John would come to our assemblies to sing and talk with us. A classic memorable favourite being “He’s got the whole world in his hands” and
John made us feel like we did!
Such a loving, kind, caring and funny gentleman, I can say on behalf of most if not all primary school students/ classes of 2000 onwards (if not years before) we are absolutely heartbroken of his
passing. Sending our condolences to his family and friends.
May you rest easy John you deserved it after all your hard work!
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You lit up our childhoods with the word of God, and for that I am so grateful. I feel very blessed to have seen you in my adult life and that my son had the privilege of meeting you. I still listen to the CD you gave me. Praying for your family and friends. Rest in peace Mr Froud ❤️
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What an amazing man so humble so gifted the events ive attended have been so inspiring his songs and story are a legacy that will go on through the group God Bless John I’ll miss seeing you flying round Sainsburys as you did your shopping
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You were our childhood ! The light of our days! It has been many years since we last hear you sing and play but you imprinted on thousands!
“he’s got the whole world in his hands” you sure did! Thankyou for bringing light and joy to everyone who had the pleasure to know you! Rest eternally John! You may be gone but we will never forget you! 🕯️
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I always remember our fun & loud primary school assemblies at St Luke’s Primary, Eccleshill – it was always “YES MR FROUDS HERE!” I’m now 34 & still recall the excitement – you just told those stories & sang those songs with much enthusiasm & genuine happiness. Also my step-daughter now 14 does too from her primary school days at Northowram! What a fun-loving & all round great person! God bless you Mr Froud! 🎸
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It was a delight to know and work with John. Lots of coffee, curry and cheese boards in his home. We travelled many miles together, performing in all sorts of places. Thanks for inviting me to the Ichthus club, one of my first events when I started, and you were still teaching. Froudy I miss you sooooo much. Thanks for all the laughs along the way. I have shed many tears this weekend, and will shed many more but I will always be grateful to God that I knew you.
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Thank you Mark for introducing us to John all those years ago.
We so enjoyed his concerts in WHEFC, especially the memorable rendition of “Go tell it on the Mountain.”! We were blessed with two concerts when we moved to Cornwall and John came to visit. His ministry across churches and schools will be so obviously missed. Thankfully, his music will live on in his many CDs. We look forward to playing them to our grandchildren.
He was a great Christian man, musican, singer/songwriter and story teller. John, you will be greatly missed, but to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
May God be with Sheena, your children, grandchildren and all the members of Zephaniah Trust at this sad time.
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What an amazing human being the earth has lost but heaven has gained. Like many many others, I am just a grown up ex pupil with many great memories (thank you). Sending all my love to his family and friends.
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John was a wonderful man, musical and spiritual mentor, and friend. I first met John as a tent leader for In:site, and had the privilege of being asked to join in on the sponsored song fest in 2008, playing violin/flute and singing alongside John.
Holiday clubs and other Zeph trust events were fantastic over the years, as well as recording with John for his album in 2009. An absolutely amazing experience which I will carry with me always, and memories of heading there and back in the van!
John introduced me to the Rajpoot, and taught me so much about musical improv as well as just being a wonderfully joyful person. I’m so very sad to have not been able to see John in recent years after moving away.
All my thoughts and prayers are with Sheena and the rest of the family, as well as the wider Zeph trust team – John has had such an impact on so many people and was loved by so many xxx
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I vividly remember John coming into my primary school and singing christian songs to us. This may not seem like a big deal but it is where I first fell in love with music and I thank John for that.
Rest in Peace John
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The tribute’s speak for themselves, such an amazing man missed by many young and older. A true legend !
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Mr John Froud you are truly amazing! Loved by many and brought joy to loads. Remember loads of you come into primary school singing and us singing along and doing the actions. An absolute l legend. Rest In Peace!
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John was a lovely man and will be dearly missed in schools across the district. He was loved by staff & children alike bringing the good news into school in such a fun way. I enjoyed watching his assemblies when I was a teacher in one school and then I was extremely grateful for his (& Julie’s) support with my Year 1 class after the passing of one of the children in that class. I was reminiscing about John also turning up to play his guitar & sing with the children on a residential at Ingleborough Hall, afterwards they all said it was one of their favourite parts of the trip!
My 19 year old daughter has just said how sad it is to hear the news and how she loved his assemblies over the years.
He was a true legend who will be missed. Xx
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John was an absolute icon. The children at East Morton Primary knew when they came into worship led by John that they would leave with a smile on their faces. His story telling skills were second to none and if there was a side story to tell or tangent he could go down – he most certainly would. Holding his guitar case covered in stickers from the many schools he visited, he’d always stay for a cuppa and chat. He will be missed ❤️
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Such sad news about Mr Froud. He taught me many years ago – 1974/1975 – at Wycliffe Middle School. Some people are just born to teach and to share knowledge, and Mr Froud was one of them. I was a huge Queen fan. It was great to talk about them to Mr Froud who loved music himself, and understood my obsession :). I am still friends with a classmate from that time and we both have such fond memories of him, including the school trip to Cober Hill. He was genuinely ‘ in tune’ with the children he taught. Some teachers you never forget and Mr Froud was one of them. Rest in peace.
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Mr Froud influenced my life in a way that helped me form a stronger connection with my faith, and that stayed with me throughout my life. In the 1990s at High Craggs Primary School, his visits were always a highlight. I remember one school trip to Scarborough where he accompanied us, and we spent time singing on the beach. I didn’t realise then how lucky we were, I just knew how much I loved it whenever he and Catherine(?) came to our school.
To this day, I still sing his songs and look them up on YouTube. They continue to resonate deeply with me. John created memories that have truly lasted a lifetime. He will always be remembered very fondly, what an amazing man.
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So sad to hear this. Top guy John always great to chat to about music, Bradford City, Man Utd, politics or faith. He lived such an inspired and productive life. Well done good and faithful servant 👏 peace, love and prayers to the family 🙏
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John first came into our lives because when we visited our daughter, Jenny, we attended Shipley Baptist Church. Subsequently, Jenny became administrator for Zephaniah Trust and we grew to love and know John on a more personal level. We found him to be such a “gentle giant” and we really appreciated how he was there for Jenny in the good times and bad. John came to our own church in Christchurch, Dorset and it was much enjoyed by all who attended. Such a wonderful loving, caring man!
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So very sad to hear of John’s passing. He was a ‘chip off the old block’ – his dad George – who would and will be so proud of what John achieved. It could be mayhem now that the two of them are back together. God bless you John.
Barbi Ormandy (Walker)
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Im 21 now but back in primary school when all hope was lost he was comfort bringing his music to the school making things seem brighter despite me getting bullied him being there was the highlight I deeply truly miss him. I hope he rests in eternal peace very heartbreaking. Such an inspiration who changed many lives.❤️ He will be forever loved and remembered by many and will forever hold a special place in my heart. 💜
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This I was in school, taking an assembly down in Dorset and thinking about John. About 16 years ago, John and Julie came to Dorset to do some work in our local schools, and I went in with them. In the first class we visited I just listened; by the second class, I was joining in with the songs, and as we walked through the door in the classroom number three – John handed me a book of Stuart Henderson’s poems, and said “you can do the poem this time.”
by the time we left the school that day I was thinking “I think I could do this.” Since that time, I have been our parish schools and children’s worker, like Julie, I have discovered my inner storyteller, and have been really honoured to be Zephaniah Trust associate.
John kept coming to Dorset – every couple of years we have done a gig together. And every now and then I’ve been invited to Bradford to be part of something up there and those trips have always included going out with John to eat a good curry. I am going to miss him so much, but I will always be thankful that he was part of my life.
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John was such a special man who gave us so much through his music, his teaching, his compassion, bringing light into many dark corners. I have many memories but the one that stands out most for me is the way he always made me feel so loved by God.
Andrew also loved John so much and it is so good to think of them together again in heaven.
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I have to confess my first introduction to John, years ago, was when my daughter came home from Nab Wood Middle School seething about having to sing a song about being a fuzzy wuzzy bear! I was, however, bowled over when some years later I actually met this gentle giant of a man, so faithful and with a heart of gold. He had the gift of making you feel really seen and appreciated… that, in that moment, you mattered, both to him and to God. It’s clear from all the tributes what a far-reaching and important ministry he had through his music and the Zephaniah Trust. Last time I bumped into him, we had a brief chat and a big hug and I’m so glad we did. He will be deeply missed by many, many people. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
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We go back a long way with John and have the greatest admiration for his vision in setting up Zephaniah and his dedication to the work. Mary’s last conversation with him last autumn was about the name ‘Zephaniah’ and his reasons for choosing it. They joked about the early part of the book being all ‘doom and gloom’. “Wait til you get to the last chapter,” said John, “Then you’ll see why we’re called Zephaniah.”
John will be missed so much but the ‘songs’ will go on and John himself will be singing in Heaven.
Ernie and Mary Whalley
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We are so sad to hear the news about John Froud. He’ll be much missed. So many happy memories from school assemblies, holiday clubs & seeing him at Bradford City. His action songs were the best & brought fun & joy to so many children in Bradford & beyond. Heartfelt condolences to his family, friends & colleagues 🙏
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I would meet John whenever he made a new CD. He came to visit to get one of his albums finished off and the CDs manufactured. It was a privilege to be a small part of his wonderful ministry. John, you’ll be missed but long may your music live on.
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Pam Lawson
I have such wonderful memories of working with John from the earliest days before Zephaniah Trust. He was a massive encouragement to me when I worked as a Christian Schools Worker in Shipley and around, and we had great fun doing music and assemblies together and making The Gateway happen. He has continued to be an inspiration to me in my work (still teaching music, leading assemblies and helping children engage with the big questions in life through singing!) and he will be deeply missed by so many. What a legacy he leaves, and his memory will live on. Sending deepest condolences to all the family and also the whole Zeph team.
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The first time I met John we were being hosted by a church that offered us pease pudding sandwiches. Hailing from Wales, I had not yet tried this Northern delicacy. Suffice to say, John rescued me, by gallantly offering to eat the sandwich for me. He was also the first one to introduce me to another Northern speciality – Betty’s Tearooms. This love of good food, good coffee and Jesus began a decades long connection and friendship. I had the joy of working alongside John on many church mission weeks, school assemblies, holiday clubs, music moments; even once being escorted together out of a French town square by the Police for handing out flyers! He was so incredibly encouraging! He was steady in his faith, open handed and open hearted with his creativity, gathering and releasing so many of us into new ways of sharing Jesus. His beautiful lyrical ability to pen a song with hope giving words and thought provoking ideas, spoke life to me. I’ve had the honour to sing with him, laugh with him, cry with him, serve with him and share with him. I’ve seen him speak with kindness to students in a school and their imagination open up as he sang his songs. I’ve heard him tell stories around a table and captivate the person serving us a curry! I will miss the mischievous twinkle, wry humour and gently encouraging word. I am so grateful for all the wonderful memories and moments! My life and faith has been so impacted by John’s care, support and investment. Praying for Sheena, the whole family, the Zephaniah Team, church, community and friends. May all those who love and miss him, be embraced by God’s loving presence, peace and comfort. John, I’ll raise a (glass of) good coffee and cake at Betty’s for you!
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The extraordinary vision that brought about The Zephaniah Trust enabled me, through John’s all embracing generosity, the privilege of regular visits to Shipley over many years. Sadly, I do not keep a diary, but I remember many visits to schools for assemblies, poetry workshops, Zeph festivals, indoors and out, evening gigs, Bradford Cathedral events, church services, evening gigs ‘for the grown ups’, curry capers, tea room trips – truly the best of times with John, Sheena, Yvonne, Julie, Cath, Katie and other gang members; a holy ensemble of ‘Bash Street Kids’, all motivated by, and devoted to, John’s ‘Clan Chief’ leadership.
John’s championing of my poetry brings tears to my eyes as I write, as does remembrance of his and Sheena’s friendship, hospitality and counsel. Indeed, one of a series of last texts John and I exchanged just before Christmas, when health issues were becoming more taxing and exhausting for him, although he didn’t go into detail – I was reading between the lines – John warmly thanked me for a particular poem that ‘he heard in my voice’ as he read it. That was a measure of the man, that in his evident and increasing trials he gave out and encouraged. John was a text book example of how to lead – i.e. by servant example and ‘listening’ acutely to the Saviour of all his days for guidance and intuitive strategy.
If The Zephaniah Trust could be likened to a ‘wilderness calling’, John lead us all to the nourishing and refreshing oasis, around which the desert had blossomed. His work will live on in those he has ably trained and mentored, and whilst John is now striding through ‘The Land That Breaks Beyond Our Dreams’, it is right and respectful that we should feel bereft, and that the world lacks Light ‘because of the presence of his absence’. And if that reads like a paradox, that’s because it is. We bring our grief to that oasis, which John brought into being and miss him in the solace of our gathering.
What larks John and I had together. We are still, in a manner, trundling about in that ‘remarkable’ van on our way to a school, talking about music, future plans, laughing much, turning over the Scriptures…Oh, the loss for us all is individual and collective. Different and similar. How grateful am I to have known and seen at close quarters how a towering disciple does ‘Kingdom things’……darling man, husband, father, grandfather, exceptional songwriter, and teacher…
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1995, I’d just started work at St Paul’s CE First School in Wibsey when I first met John. From there John became a regular visitor to Idle CE Primary where I had become headteacher. We had the privilege of being one of the schools chosen to sing on the live CD ….. ‘Be Bold Be Strong’
When I then moved down to East Cambridgeshire in 2005 John made an annual journey down to visit us, leading assemblies, evening praise parties and developing new relationships which beautifully impacted pupils, staff and parents. John became an important personal lifeline to me for what was going on in Bradford, a place he loved, supported and defended to the hilt.
Gentle, Reflective, Generous and Compassionate, just some of the ways I will remember this unique Man of God.
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