By Voice & Viewpoint Staff
In a world where enduring love stories are rare, John and Virginia Tates journey stands out as a remarkable testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and commitment. The San Diego couple, who recently celebrated 72 years of marriage, have not only built a lasting union but have also left an indelible mark on their community through their contributions to education, construction, and Christian faith.
John Tates, a trailblazer in the construction industry, made history as the first African American Operator Engineer in San Diego County. The couple’s journey begins in St. Joseph, Louisiana. Virginia picked cotton as a sharecropper and John was the driver who took her group to and from the field each day. Serving in the Korean War for three years, John returned back to Louisiana in the 1950’s for Virginia and the pair got married as teenagers under a mulberry tree in 1952.
The couple moved to San Diego in 1956, seeking better opportunities and a brighter future in the Golden State. John’s career took off when he joined the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 12 in 1963. Recognized for over 60 years of union membership, over the years, John became an expert in heavy construction, with his company, John Tates Construction, playing a key role in significant projects, including the Orange and Green lines of the San Diego Trolley system. Only employing union workers, John Tates Construction Company company was recognized by former Governor Jerry Brown and the State of California for its impeccable safety record.
Virginia, a woman of immense strength, determination, and faith, balanced her roles as a mother, educator, and business manager. After obtaining her degree from San Diego State University and later a master’s degree from Point Loma Nazarene, she taught education before joining her husband in managing their construction business. Her passion for education and her deep-rooted Christian faith later led her to become a substance abuse counselor, helping countless individuals find their way back to sobriety and stability.
Worshipping at 61st & Division Church under Taylor Mackenzie’s ministry for the last 50 years, the Tates’ faith has been the cornerstone of their lives, guiding them through decades of marriage, raising six children, and nurturing a growing family that now spans five generations.
Today, at 91 years old, John remains active and engaged with the world around him, adapting to modern society with humor and grace. Virginia, 88, continues to be a pillar of strength for her family, her wisdom and faith inspiring all who know her.
“He is the head, I am the neck,” Virginia says, when describing their dynamic.
The Tates’ story is not just one of personal achievement but of community impact. They have shown that a life of service, guided by Christian values, brings lasting rewards. Their legacy is a testament to the power of love, faith, and perseverance—a beacon of hope for future generations.
