John Arthur Fee's Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved John Arthur Fee, age 71, on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at his home in Richardson, Texas, surrounded by family and friends. He was born on April 17, 1954, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to Harold David Fee and Elizabeth (Betty) Gettman Fee. John is survived by his beloved children Jonathon and wife Ashley, Alexandria and husband Victor, grandchildren Izzy, Layla, Gracie, Claire and Andreas, his siblings Mary Ann Fennell and husband Tom, David Fee, Jr. and wife Hui Zhong, Joseph A. Fee and wife Karen Brant, Robert Mark Fee and wife Kim, Elizabeth (Betsy) Fee and husband Charles Elliott, as well as nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
John leaves behind a legacy of innovation, leadership, and kindness. He will be remembered for his brilliant mind, generous spirit, and the lasting impact he made on his family, friends, colleagues, and the multitudes of wonderful people who were fortunate enough to know him.
John was a 1972 graduate of Central High School in Knoxville and attended Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (1977) and his Master of Science in Industrial Engineering (1987) from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Prior to his fiber and cable work, he worked at the Traffic Engineering Department for the City of Knoxville in Knoxville, Tennessee, while pursuing his MSIE degree. There he provided his engineering expertise designing a groundbreaking microprocessor-based traffic control system that improved traffic flow for the 1982 World’s Fair. John also co-developed a SIGOP traffic throughput optimization algorithm and applied it to several main traffic routes throughout the city using the microprocessor traffic system. These accomplishments were responsible for his winning the Engineers Day Award at the University of Tennessee.
He began his career working with leading organizations such as Corning Glass Works, ITT, and General Cable, where he helped pioneer the development of single-mode fiber technology alongside industry leaders.
Early in his career, John held the prestigious title of MCI Fellow, a vice president-level position, where he evaluated emerging technologies and led advancements in optical networking, fiber systems, and telecommunications infrastructure, next generation Megawatt power backup systems, nanotechnologies, lighting systems and technologies, security, compression techniques, and energy storage. His work influenced next-generation fiber optics, terabit transmission systems, and global networking standards. He was also an Advisory Engineer for over 12 years serving for 8 years as a voting standards representative, working on technical specifications for the SONET Voice Switch System, and next generation 10 GB/s optical fiber development as well as pioneering Uninterruptable Power Supply systems for the telecommunications industry. One of his significant contributions to fiber development was development and deployment of Dispersion Shifted Fiber and Ultra Long-Haul Fiber that is the backbone of today’s fiber infrastructure.
John was also co-founder, Chief Technology Officer, and Vice President of Systems & Network Technology, Product Management of Avanex Corporation, where he contributed to the development of advanced optical components and helped guide the company through its successful IPO.
John was the CEO and co-founder of 10C Technologies, Inc. (10 Charge), where he played a key role across sales, marketing, research and development, and financial strategy. Prior to becoming CEO, he served as Chief Technology Officer, leading
groundbreaking research and development efforts in the development of engineering prototypes of charging technology, laboratory testing, and patents in both the United States and Budapest, Hungary.
A distinguished engineer, executive, and entrepreneur, John dedicated his life to advancing technology and mentoring others. He served on corporate advisory boards and boards of directors for numerous international and domestic companies, including AICARE, PowerPulse Technologies, Elumenus, P3 Technologies, and NRDrive (newly formed), and was an angel investor in Renren.
John received numerous honors throughout his life, including MCI Excellence in Service, multiple engineering awards, and recognition in international publications and organizations. He was a frequent speaker and contributor at major industry conferences around the world. Throughout his career, John was awarded over 80 U.S. patents and held 23 international patents, reflecting his extraordinary contributions to fields ranging from optical fiber and networking to energy systems and medical technologies. USA partial list: https://patents.justia.com/inventor/john-fee
Beyond his professional accomplishments, John was deeply committed to personal growth and service. He was an Eagle Scout, recipient of the God & Country Award, a member of the Order of the Arrow, and a DeMolay Chaplain. He was also an accomplished classical musician, studying piano and violin for many years and was an avid listener of jazz. John was also a licensed Ham Radio (Amateur Extra) operator for more than 50 years. He was an audiophile who took great pride in the many audio systems he built during his lifetime. He loved to travel the world and enjoyed playing golf with his friends and colleagues.
We will sincerely miss his unforgettable and loving stories, wisdom, and warmth will live on in the hearts and memories of all who knew him. Above all, John will be remembered for his curiosity, integrity, contagious wit and humor, and unwavering dedication to helping others succeed. He devoted his time and attention to sharing his gifts and talents with the world, and his legacy will live on through the technological advancements as well as the love he gave to us all.
As we unite as family and friends, we gather to celebrate the remarkable life John led and the profound impact he had on each of us. In coming together, we not only honor his legacy but also find comfort in sharing our cherished memories, stories, and the wisdom he imparted. We will ensure that his name will live on in our hearts and memories, preserving his spirit through the love, laughter, and inspiration he gave us all. We are grateful for every moment we were blessed to share with him during his limited time on Earth and will continue to find comfort reflecting on the memories we shared with him as our father, grandfather, brother, and friend.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made in his name to the Electrical Engineering Department at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee (https://eecs.utk.edu/), or to the Great Smoky Mountain Council, Boy Scouts of America (http://www.easttnscouts.org/).
Memorial services for John will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Acacia Collective, 8601 Liberty Grove Road, Rowlett, TX 75089.
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