John (Buddy) Culpepper:
CLASS OF 1978
Norview High SchoolClass of 1978
Norfolk, VA
Norfolk Technical Vocational CenterClass of 1979
Norfolk, VA
Norview Junior High SchoolClass of 1975
Norfolk, VA
Laura E. Titus Elementary SchoolClass of 1972
Norfolk, VA
Sherwood Forest Elementary SchoolClass of 1971
Norfolk, VA
John (Buddy)'s Story
Life:
Born at Norfolk General Hospital and lived in Norview at Five Points.
Elementary School: 1966-1971 Sherwood Forest; 1971-1972 Laura E. Titus (this is when bussing started, 1st group to be bussed); Junior High: 1973-1975 Norview Jr. High School; High School: 1975-1978 Norview Sr. High School; 1975-1979 Norfolk Technical Vocational Center (went back 1979 for post-graduation class).
1979 - Tidewater Community College - Fine Arts & Media Advertising
I was formally employed as an illustrator and computer graphics artist for 15 years then left for a life long dream of being a firefighter.
I just Retired from Norfolk Fire-Rescue / Norfolk Fire Marshal’s Office on August 1st, 2024 after 28 Years. I was a Firefighter Paramedic for the first half of my career then I moved up to the Fire Marshal's Office for Norfolk Fire-Rescue; I was a Fire Inspector and Site Plans Reviewer for the City of Norfolk. I have investigated fires and completed many fire inspections. Prior to my retirement, I performed fire inspections and reviewed site plans for many new commercial and residential projects that are constructed in the city; that also included numerous site visits during construction.
My complete title was:
Master Firefighter, Paramedic, Fire Investigator, Fire Inspector, Fire-Rescue Site Plans Reviewer for the City of Norfolk Site Plans Review Board.
I have also taught Fire Inspector Classes for the Virginia Department of Fire Prevention.
Since retiring I have also started my own business as an Independent consultant for Engineers/Architects to review Site Plans prior to submission to the City and to talk with other reviewers.
I have also had my own small side business doing graphics arts and videography / editing for events such as weddings, concerts, etc.
I have been lucky; I love Surf Music and have been able to meet and hang out with the best. I have had the honor to hang out with Jan & Dean for a few times, met and hung out Dick Dale a few times - King of the Surf Guitar, met Mike Love and Bruce Jo...Expand for more
hnston of the Beach Boys and John Stamos with The Beach Boys. I have also met and hung out with the Ventures - the Best Surf Instrumental Band in the World.
I enjoy going ODU Football games and have been a season ticket holder since they started in 2009.
What else can I say but ........ I went to the greatest school, NORVIEW HIGH ...... I am a Pilot for Life ......... Hail the BLUE and WHITE !!!!!
What's the wildest thing you ever did in school?
1) After the Lake Taylor - Norview game Myself, Glen Fafara and Norma Mallard took my BIG NORVIEW FLAGS and drove to the old Burger King on E. Little Creek Road in Norman's parents VW, lowered the flags, hid our coats and once in the parking lot started asked everyone who won the game. Of course they were mad because Norview won. So to add insult to injury we were going to raise the flags, but, just as we were going to leave and fly the flags the car dies in the parking lot. They gave us a jump not knowing that we were from Norview. Finally we got going, raised the flags yelling NORVIEW is number one and left the parking lot in a hurry. Man they were mad, we were chased by a camero, mach1 and a cadillac for well over 15 minutes back near Wedgewood and that area. WE got lucky and were able to hide the car in someone’s driveway off Dominion Ave.
2) On the last day high school myself and Robert Bass filled 3 trash cans from the bathrooms on the third floor with water and then made the best in school water fall ever. You should have seen it, it probably would have made a great water flume. 3 floors of water fall. Learch almost caught us but he was at the other end on the hallway.
How do you hope old friends remember you?
That I was friendly, funny, athletic, studied hard for good grades, good graphic artist and loyal to my friends ! ......... and loved Norview and bled blue & white; I still do!. Loved waving my Norview Flags in the stands at all the games !!!!! (believe it or not I still have them and just might bring them to the next Class of 78 reunion).
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