6’ 5” 290 lbs. So named because, well,  6’ 5” 290… we had another (smaller) John…and the heart matched the stature. He just looked like you’d picture Jimmy Dean’s “Big John”. I worked with John for 26 yrs. He retired 2 yrs ago and everyone was delighted. Not because he was gone…but because he deserved it, and was young enough to enjoy his passions.

Sometimes you are fortunate to work with a fellow that walks the talk…a gentle giant with “presence”.

He came to work in a tiny blue Opel…and later I think a Fiesta or somesuch. Watching that big man get in and out of these cars was hilarious…better than TV. He was saving gas….LONG commute doncha know.

He loved the Lord…and would tell you about him…IF you were interested.

He collected baseball cards…had a shop at one time. If ya had a card you were wondering about…bring it to John.

Mushroom hound par excellance. You just didn’t eat a questionable wild mushroom until you showed it to him.

Also a rock hound….loved opals. Told wonderful stories of his various digs…always with family…. and fascinating stories about the various kinds, with scientific explanations of how they were formed. Made beautiful “jewelry” out of ‘em…

His job: “Inventory Specialist”. When you have millions of lbs of product…stuff goes missing. Well, that is, until John got on the case. He’d either find it, or tell you where it went…and you could take that to the bank.  Used to get a smile out of him by calling him “Columbo”…when I could find him behind the stacks of paperwork.

His daughter worked here…his son still does…THIS is family.

Big John had pneumonia…last Saturday, in his sleep, that BIG ol’ heart just stopped. He was 59…I am crushed….we are crushed……

Jon

He is gone from our sight, but not from our hearts. I look forward to meeting Big John at my upcoming family reuinion, TBA at the Mansion. Thanks for the post. God bless! lance

Jon,
I am so sorry.  Keeping you and his family in my thoughts.

Carolyn

Jon,
WE are crushed. When someone that ordinarily special slips from our grasp, it's just not right.
Thank you for sharing this gentle giant with us, this little bit, and accept my sympathy on YOUR direct loss- but know, the world is a changed place for everyone without John.
My Deepest Sympathy, Jonboy,
Love,
Cathi

I am so sorry, Jon.....for you, his family and all who knew and loved him.  He sounds like a fine man who will be greatly missed.

So sad when someone so good leaves us so young and so unexpectedly.
I did not know John but am very sad to hear of his passing.
:(

Jon he seem like such a wonderful person.. One that brought joy and comfort to others... I will not tell you that I know how you feel, because I don't.. but I can sincerely tell you that I know the feeling of losing someone that mean so much to so many..

Please accept my sympathy . I Pray that the Lord will give you and others who know and love this gentle giant, strength to bear this great loss.

Someday I will get to meet this wonderful man..

In the mean time, I will lift you, his family and those who lives he touched in Prayer...

Peace & Blessings
LadyLuv

Although he has gone home, he will never be forgotten.  How fantastic he left such a positive impression on your life Jon.  I can only wish that I could touch lives like that.  What a legacy.

My prayers and sympathies to you my brother.

Love,
mel

What a wonderful person and how lucky you were to have had him be a part of your life.   Sympathies to you and to his family.

Carol

Mel's right. Anyone that leaves that kind of impression had to have been special.

Sorry for you and all that knew him.

Charlie

[smiley=hug.gif] Jon my sincere condolences to you and Big John's family.  The saying "Only the good die young" comes to mind to loose a young soul of this sort is a horrible loss not only to his close loved ones but all those he came in contact with. [smiley=hug.gif]

To know someone like this is a blessing.  It really makes one stop and think about people exactly like this in our life and how we need to tell them how important they are to us.

Jon, I am so sorry.   I'll be lighting my candles for you and for his family and all who will miss him.  Sounds like he left quite a legacy of goodwill and good examples.

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Our deepest condolences Jon, to all his family & friends,
  Barry & Angie  :'( :'(

I'm sorry my friend.  Losses like that hurt the worst.

Jerry

THANK YOU ALL!....we buried Big John on Friday...but we CELEBRATED his life while doing so....I can only hope to receive a little bit of the same....

The world IS a lesser place without him...I despair of the mounting losses....am only 55...and I've seen too much of this. But THIS family....I'd be lost without ya...

Much love,

jon