John Stradinger III

“How are you?” These were the most frequent words spoken by John Stradinger. As time passed and his speech worsened due to Aphasia, the question was shortened to “You?” When “you” were confronted with either version of the question, John looked at you with a twinkle in his eye and was really ready to listen.

To be the object of “You?” did not surprise family members. John was the loving patriarch – a man of high expectations and an even bigger heart. He wanted to know what was going on in your life. With just a few words, he was able to connect and encourage meaningful conversations.

But John’s use of “How are You?” and “You?” was also directed at friends and strangers. John was curious in the best way. He wanted to know what you were doing and how you were feeling. It did not matter whether he had seen you yesterday or was meeting you for the first time. The obvious genuineness of the inquiry caught strangers by surprise, disarmed them and caused them to open up to him. His reply, frequently a gesture, was one of encouragement. Almost all walked away feeling connected and inspired.

Unfortunately, we will no longer hear John ask those questions. John died at the age of 80 on January 22, 2021.

John’s life was divided into three distinct seasons.

John’s first season was growing up in Houston where he was a standout football player. During this time, he mentored his three sisters, met Judi, his wife to be, and developed friendships that would last the next 70 years.

His next season, the Pre-Stroke years, lasted until he was 55. During this season, he led. He was the patriarch of his family, a loving husband, a father to be emulated, a Church Deacon, a neighborhood tutor, a friend you could confide in, a business mentor, a CEO.

His final season, the Post-Stroke years, lasted over 25 years. His road to recovery was a family journey. During this time, he modelled perseverance and love. He inspired all those around him and nurtured ten grandchildren. Judi, his devoted wife, was always by his side, as caregiver, advocate and encourager, serving him with joy and selflessness.

Prior to COVID, John would ride his scooter from his room in Skilled Nursing over to Judi’s apartment at 6 a.m. They would read a chapter from the Bible and discuss it while drinking hot tea. Next, John would pray for all 3 sons, their wives, each of their 10 Grandkids, his sisters, Judi’s sister, their Church & other friends. By taking time to seek His Lord, John was ready for his day to begin. Great is Thy Faithfulness! (Now he is praying with the Lord for each of us who are still here. Hallelujah!!!)

He is survived by with wife of 59 years, Judith Baker Stradinger; his three sons: Mike (Jennifer) Stradinger, Jim (Janis) Stradinger, and Joe (Catherine) Stradinger; and ten grandchildren: Hanna Jane (Rock) Rickel, Chloe Stradinger, Jack Stradinger, Baker Stradinger, Sophie Stradinger, Alex Stradinger, Whit Stradinger, Quinn Stradinger, Julia Stradinger and Ann Magee Stradinger.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Aphasia Hope Foundation, 750 Woodlands Pkwy, Suite 104, Ridgeland, Mississippi 39157.