John J. Gether III (Jack) passed away after a courageous battle against failing health and joined his beloved wife Janis, son Jeffrey and parents John and Wilma in heaven, Thursday, September 18, 2014.

He was a loving father to Johnny, Dawn, Misty; grandfather to Terra, Shannon, Johnny, Kayla, Jessica, Matthew, Alexander and Benicio; great grandfather to Ethan and Stella; father-in-law to August, Sue and William; brother to Anita and Peggy; and brother-in-law to Ricky, Ron and John; friend and uncle to many.

John was a very hard worker, great cook, well read, generous and an avid movie fan favoring great classics starring John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. John also shared that rugged exterior on the outside but on the inside was “all heart” to everyone, including his many pets throughout his life. All animals were magnets to his kindness and his pockets, which were filled with unlimited amounts of treats or beef jerky.

John served his country faithfully in the U.S Navy. Donations in memory of him can be made to a Veteran’s memorial, Humane Society or charity of choice.

At John’s request there will be no memorial service. The family will celebrate his life with a private gathering in the near future.

For you Dad

If Tears Could Build A Stairwell

If tears could build a stairwell
and memories were a lane,
I would walk right up to Heaven
and bring you home again.
No farewell words were spoken,
no time to say good-bye…
You were gone before I knew it,
and only God knows why.
My heart still aches in sadness
and secret tears still flow,
What it means to lose you
no one will ever know.