John Walton “J.W.” Wolfe was known to many as a prominent civic leader and successful businessman who spent his life passionately supporting and promoting Columbus.
Widely regarded as one of the driving forces behind the creation of the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, J.W. played a notable role in championing many of Columbus’ most recognized institutions. Although J.W. passed away in 1994, his remarkable philanthropy continues to shape central Ohio today.
PICTURED: John W. Wolfe.
Born in Columbus in 1928 to Alice and Edgar T. Wolfe, J.W. began his career at Ohio National Bank in 1948. Like his father, J.W.’s professional life centered around the banking and publishing industries. In 1957, he became Vice President and Director of BancOhio Corporate. That same year, he was named Chairman of the Dispatch Printing Company, the parent organization of The Columbus Dispatch, then owned by the Wolfe family. Together with his cousin, the late John F. Wolfe, J.W. helped continue the Wolfe family’s legacy not just in business, but also in philanthropy.
Ann I. Wolfe, John F.’s wife and former Columbus Foundation Governing Committee Chairperson, described J.W. as an extremely generous man with a sharp wit and strong commitment to his community. “John appreciated the fact that he had been blessed his whole life,” Ann explained. “He wanted to raise up organizations—not for the recognition, but in service to the community.”
One cause J.W. was passionate about was healthcare, including pediatric and cancer research. Over the years, he provided leadership and substantial financial support to The James, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and the OhioHealth McConnell Heart Health Center. J.W. was also active in the community through his service on nonprofit boards. From 1984 to 1992, J.W. served on The Columbus Foundation Governing Committee, including two years as Vice Chairperson, where he provided stewardship for the Foundation and its charitable activities.
PICTURED OPPOSITE (L–R): Ann I. Wolfe and Katie Wolfe Lloyd at The Columbus Foundation.
“J.W. valued The Columbus Foundation because it encouraged people to be philanthropic and support the city he loved,” said Ann. “He recognized that The Columbus Foundation is a great resource to the community and a great partner in philanthropy.”
In 1993, J.W. established the John W. Wolfe Permanent Administrative Fund at The Columbus Foundation to provide ongoing support for the operation of the Foundation. Over the past three decades, the fund has helped The Columbus Foundation remain a welcoming place for donors, nonprofit leaders, and community members, including supporting the development and maintenance of the Foundation’s beautiful grounds.
Today, J.W.’s legacy remains a visible presence at The Columbus Foundation, where a statue honoring his memory is displayed. The statue, created by sculptor George Danhires, features a young boy surrounded by oak leaves holding acorns in his hands. It is a fitting tribute to J.W.’s generosity, which, like an oak tree, remains deep-rooted in the community.
After J.W.’s passing, several individuals and organizations—among them, friends and associates—made gifts to the John W. Wolfe Permanent Administrative Fund in honor of his contributions to the community. Katie Wolfe Lloyd, the daughter of Ann and John F. and a current member of The Columbus Foundation Governing Committee, said that she is grateful to witness and be part of her family’s ongoing philanthropic legacy.
PICTURED: A statue located on the grounds of The Columbus Foundation honoring John W. Wolfe.
“Although J.W. is no longer here to see how much impact he’s had in our community, I continue to see the ways he’s helped so many people,” said Katie. “There’s so much need in this community and we feel very fortunate to be in a position to support so many incredible organizations because of those who came before us.”
In addition to the John W. Wolfe Permanent Administrative Fund, J.W. also established the Robert F. Wolfe and Edgar T. Wolfe Foundation, a Supporting Foundation of The Columbus Foundation, in 1989 to honor his grandfather and father. Since its creation, the Wolfe Foundation has awarded more than $159.8 million in grants to local organizations, including the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), Charity Newsies, Columbus Museum of Art, YMCA of Central Ohio, and many others. It also provides regular support to The James, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and OhioHealth.
“J.W. led and served this community in extraordinary ways,” said Doug Kridler, President and CEO of The Columbus Foundation. “We are proud to be an anchor institution he saw as vital to our community’s well-being, and we are honored to help carry on his legacy.”