Christopher John Shepherd Webb (C.J.S. Webb), 86, of Montvale, NJ, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 28, 2026.

John carried a deep connection to history, born of a family lineage dating back to the Norman Conquest of 1066, from which they drew their name—originally derived from the Old English webbe, meaning weaver. John's own journey began in a French hospital in British-governed Hong Kong. During World War II, he, his mother, and his sister fled to Australia, while his father endured three years in a prisoner-of-war camp.

Following the war, John returned to England, where he was raised in London by his guardians: prominent British politician William Geoffrey Fiske, Baron Fiske (Uncle Tiny), and Lady Edith Josephine Fiske (Aunt Jo). As Chairman of the Decimal Currency Board, Lord Fiske worked closely with Queen Elizabeth II to oversee the historic 1971 decimalization of the British Pound.

John followed in the footsteps of both his father and Uncle Tiny by attending Berkhamsted School in Hertfordshire. A dedicated athlete during his school years, he excelled in multiple sports, setting school records in both swimming and diving. He cherished his childhood, filled with laughter, early days playing golf from age eight, and time spent on his guardians' farm. Immersed there among the orchards, nutteries, and livestock, John developed a lifelong devotion to animals, especially dogs.

In his late 20s, after working as a tea taster in Kenya, John immigrated to the United States. He joined International Flavors & Fragrances in Manhattan, where he met Kathleen. Married in 1969, they began their life together in Hong Kong before returning to the States following the birth of their son. They lived in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, before settling in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, to raise their family for nearly two decades. Later years brought adventures in Sparta and Morristown, New Jersey, alongside vibrant pieds-à-terre in Manhattan and South Beach, Miami, before ultimately settling in Bergen County near their daughter.

John truly lived life to the fullest. He achieved a deeply meaningful milestone when he became a U.S. citizen in 1991, while always maintaining a lifelong love and affection for his native England. He was an accomplished businessman who worked into his seventies. Having explored nearly 90 countries, he was a genuine bon vivant, a captivating raconteur, and a true gentleman with a perpetual twinkle in his eye. He was the life and soul of every gathering, effortlessly charming, yet an incredibly loyal listener who protected the confidences of those he loved. Above all, he was immensely proud of his children, grandchildren, and his cherished dogs.

John was reunited with his beloved wife of 56 years, Kathleen, who predeceased him earlier this year. He leaves behind his children, Geoff (Kim) Webb and Amanda (Kevin) Healy; and his grandchildren, Collin Webb and Fiona Healy.

A service will be held on Saturday, September 12th at 10:00am in St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Mountain Lakes, NJ. Per his wishes, John’s ashes will be scattered in England. To share condolences and memories with his family, please visit CodeyMackeyFH.com. In lieu of flowers, donations to ASPCA in his memory would be most appreciated.