Man who was Highly Decorated Army Veteran of 33 Years, University President, Dr. John Counts, Passes

Dr. John Eldridge Counts, 84, of Morgantown, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. Born on March 21, 1941, in Denver, Colorado, John was the beloved son of John and Helen Counts.

After retiring from the military, he went on to become the President of Western New Mexico University, where he served for 18 years until his eventual retirement in 2011.

Along with his many accomplishments, he was a wonderful father, husband, mentor, and friend. He was a very kind, lighthearted, and dedicated man who spent his life improving and encouraging the lives of others.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Barbara L. Counts; his daughter, Joy D. Nugent, and her husband, Courtney A. Nugent; his grandson, Dr. Grant E. Nugent; his niece, Lori Hall, and her husband, Mitch Hall; and their three children, Kelly, Kevin, and Kyle. He will also be greatly missed by his stepdaughter-in-law, Debra James, and her eight children. He will be remembered by his other stepchildren, Mike James, Tobi James, and Michaele James and her two children.

John was predeceased by his first wife, Dr. Mona M. Counts, and his two sisters, Jannie Hanna and her husband, Dave Hanna, and Judy Price and her husband, Bruce Price.

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Hastings Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Amedisys Hospice of Morgantown.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Amedisys Hospice care team and the VA Caregiver Support team.

Online condolences may be made at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com.

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