Think of John often and remember the good times with him as a co-worker and friend. He was the kind of person you always remember fondly.  May you always rest in peace, John.

I'm not sure why, but I was thinking about John today. Or as I called him sometimes, Mr. Elias. He was like a second dad to me because I was always over at his house in West Des Moines. His oldest daughter and I were best friends in elementary and middle school. I felt so welcome in his home and his family took me in with open arms. Sometimes I felt like they were my family more than my own, it's sad to say. He was always around when you needed him, and he was so kind to me even when I spilled food on his carpet, or dog sat and could barely handle Marley or Rosco. He took his kids and I to taco trucks and fairs and movies and let us stay up late. I think the best thing about him was his dedication to his kids, and letting them have a great childhood even if they had hardships. He also wasn't afraid of being confident in himself and his abilities. He knew himself, and I always admire that in a person. It might seem strange that I miss him so much, but I was there so often I felt like he was a funny uncle or much older brother. His childlike spirit touched so many. I miss you, John, and I hope you're at peace and know how missed you are.

John and I came to the Steadfast (USN) together in 1988. We met at the airport and were friends FROM THEN ON. I have to many memories to list. The most important being the days we spent talking on the phone days before his passing. Thanks John for all the laughs and smiles. God be with you and your family. See you in Heaven. DIANA (shawski)

John and I were very good friends during our Navy days in San Diego on the STEADFAST AFDM-14 (I was there from 1988-1991).  I just now learned of his passing, and it deeply saddens me.

We became close friends very quickly, because we both were goofy, loved to laugh, and had many of the same interests.  We lifted weights, surfed, played hackey-sack at the beach, and all kinds of stuff. John was remarkable in numerous ways.  As many have said, his goofiness and unselfish nature are what stand out the most.  I remember I was always amazed at how physically fit he looked, even if he didn't work out.  We had all kinds of silly noises/sayings that we said to each other.  I vividly remember us shouting stuff across the drydock at each other and cracking each other up!

I wish we had kept in touch, as we never really talked after I got out of the Navy.  I am sad that he is gone, but I consider myself lucky to be one of the people who knew him well, even if for a short period of time.  I pray for his family, and hope they live a life that honors his.  John-boy, you will be missed.

I went to Navy Boot Camp (Company 185)in San Diego with John Elias 25 years ago from Aug-Oct 1988.  I have several pictures of John from basic training that I would like to send to family members.  You may contact me at pmlucia@yahoo.com or paul.lucia.125@facebook.com.

Sorry to discover the loss of a former shipmate!!!

Thinking of you daily. Cameron had his Senior portraits completed and we reviewed yesterday with Mom and Karen. Marley was a show stopper. You would be very proud. My heart weeps endlessly...missing you ~Barb

I spent a summer with John in 1984. It was a wild time, and as a 14 year old girl, I was in awe of John and the adventures he took me on at Normande Terrace. I wish I had looked him up before now as I would have liked to pay my respects.  John is no longer on earth with us, but my memories of that summer will never, ever, be forgotten. I will forever hold them near my heart and will always remember John as that teen age boy that made my summer so special.

 Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am in a thousand winds that blow,
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain,
I am the fields of ripening grain.
I am in the morning hush,
I am in the graceful rush
Of beautiful birds in circling flight,
I am the starshine of the night.
I am ...in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room.
I am in the birds that sing,
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I do not die.

Six months 7 days....

Every now & again, I can tell you're still around...in a trickster kinda way. Even more powerful are your influences for the greater good - I'd be very selfish to take away that new gift, as priceless it would be to see you once again.

The candle burned out long before your legend ever did...

Drove by our old office building (5th & Locust), memories came to mind, of the days I spent working with John and talking with him. So often he would tell me "You sound just like my mother), especially when our talks were about his "girlfriends", I often told him, "you remind me so much of my own son". I still miss him and I think of him often.  There was something about that young,man that just stuck with you, maybe his smile or the shine in those blue eyes,or the respect he showed me, whatever, he left a lasting impression on me personally.
May he rest in peace, and someday may we all be reunited again, and may his family's grief lessen as days go by and the memories take over the grief. Love to them, Maggie

Hi Barb,

You have never met me, but I knew John from years ago~~my college days at Iowa State actually. We met when I was in Des Moines one night with friends and he took me for a ride in his Jeep =)... It was at a difficult time I think for him. He was living in WDSM in a apartment with his mom (maybe you too?) and he used to talk about his parents' divorce a lot... he used to call me from pay phones when I was in Ames and used to come see me at college in his Jeep when he could afford the gas money. We dated briefly in the mid-'80's, and just kind of drifted apart because of the difficulty in communicating long distance. I have no idea if he even mentioned me to anyone... young guys usually don't. We did care for each other a lot though, and he was a very nice person. John was one of the most fun, smart and sensitive guys I have ever met, and I have to say the most good-looking as well. I have never seen eyes so blue.... He loved to talk about swimming at Valley and talked about his mom. He showed me where he lived before the divorce near Grand Ave. I have thought about him numerous times over the years and had always hoped he was doing well and was happy. I think I saw him in a parking lot in West Des Moines several years ago when I was with my husband and kids, but I didn't say anything to him. He didn't see me, but I thought to myself, "Oh My... it's John Elias!" Now I wish I would have had the wits to smile and say 'Hi' to him. 

My sympathy goes out to you and your family and his 3 children. I can't even imagine how hard this must be for all involved. He talked about you a lot to me when we were together that brief time, and I know he was close to you, so I just wanted to pass a positive wish along. I'm sure he had a lot of friends that you never even knew about, and I just couldn't let the opportunity pass to tell you that he and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. He is in a better place with no pain~all is well for John now.

I live near Huxley, am happily married to a wonderful guy and have two amazing kids. I graduated from Ankeny in 1985, and am high-school friends with Brian Cox, who was a friend of John's and Jeff Haynes. That's the connection where I found out about John. Brian told me he was diagnosed with lung cancer last summer and that he had last seen him at the State Fair in August. 

Just so sad and shocking. Again, my deepest condolences to you and yours. 

Liz (Barker) Peterson 

Thanks ... We did have some fun times together, and I really wish he could have been able to go to USC like he dreamed~I know he would have been so successful as an architect. He visited me quite a few times in Ames when I was a freshman (Fall/Winter of 1985-86) before our crazy lives took us in different directions. Always kept his fingers crossed that the Jeep could make the trip from WDSM to Ames. LOL! 


I lost a brother several years ago as well. It leaves a deep scar, but life goes on, and I'm sure John would want that for you. It's just hard. I know. 

Feel free to use the memories I shared. I know there have to be so many people who feel lucky to have crossed paths with John throughout his life. Glad I was one of them.

Healing to you and your family,
Liz .

To my treasured brother John. You are missed and much loved.
Vitum amo

"The aim of life is to live, and to live means to be aware, joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware"--H. Miller







Now
Is the only relevant part
Of forever.

Now 
Fading into memory.

Now
Unfolding towards becoming.

Now, not how,
Not later,
Or when, or if
But now.

Now…and then it’s not.

My dad was the most amazing person i will ever meet in my lifetime. He has made me into who i am today and was always there for me. I am very greatful to say that he was my dad. I will always carry him in my heart and know that he is watching down on me. He is my guardian angel. I love you and miss you Dad.

John was a great friend; he was the kind of friend that I thought would be around until we were old & gray. We met when we were both young kids ...he had a beat up red jeep that many of you may remember and we use to go everywhere in it. That's how I became close to John. That was nearly 25 years ago and we've been been close ever since.

I was envious of John. He had a casual laid back manner that many girls loved. He was always optimistic & positive, He was the kind of man that I wanted to be.

John's illness was sudden. I remember when I heard the news I simply could not believe it. He was too young. I will forever be grateful to have known John.

John is in heaven now and we are here at his funeral.
I ask myself: What can we learn from John's life? What can we leave here with that John woul want us to remember?

I believe it is: Don't let life pass you b , live it, enjoy it, don't sit back and let it happen. We all think that we will have time to do things later.
Now is the time.

As recited February 13 2010

Daddy

"We do not remember days we remember memories"

You were my angel on Earth and now you are my angel in heaven looking down on me at all times. You will follow me everywhere I go and I will 
always carry you in my heart. If there is any single person who has always been there for me it would be you.My Dad was there for me my entire life
and was the first person I ever saw when I took my first breath.
He taught me everything I need to know in life and made me who I am today.
He was the funniest,smartest,sweetest, most loving Dad that I could ever 
ask for. Nobody can be compared to him. He took me to so many places
and made me laugh all the time.
My Dad and I had a very close bond that will live on forever. 
I am proud to say I am his daughter and the apple of his eye.
Nobody will ever replace you and you will never be forgotten.
I love you Dad.
-Kelsey aka Pumpkin Butt


A letter to her Dad as recited by Jeffrey Haines 
February 13 2010

I just heard of John's death yesterday and am so saddened.  I met him in my college days in the mid-80's... cruising the loop in DSM in his Jeep.  Wow, what fun memories.  I had not seen him since them, but had smiled many times over the years when I though of him and hoped he was happy and doing well.  Such a great guy and an amazing spirit.  He was a very very kind and special person, and I will never forget him.  My heartfelt condolences go to his family and children.  He loved you all so much.

Celebration of Life February 13, 2010

God saw you getting tired,
and a cure was not to be.
So He put his arms around you
And whispered, "Come with Me"
With tearful eyes
We watched you suffer,
And saw you fade away.
Although we loved you dearly,
We could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating,
Hard working hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove
He only takes the Best.
It's lonesome here without you.
We miss you more each day.
Life doesn't seem the same
Since you've gone away.
When days are sad and lonely,
And everything goes wrong,
We seem to hear you whisper
"Cheer up and carry on."
Each time we see your picture
You seem to smile and say,
I'm home in God's safe-keeping,
we'll meet again someday!"

http://www.claytoncountyregister.com/html/obituaries.php?subaction=showfull&id=1267022284&archive=&start_from=&ucat=17&

 Facebook February 10, 2010

So I am wondering......can you type correctly/properly in heaven ..... or is it super studly cool typing with 2 fingers? Just sayin'.........Glad you are well and can rest peacefully. xoxo

It makes me incredibly sad to know John is not with us.  He was one of my partners in crime through out high school and college.  I have the best pictures of him and my dad playing quarters and they are laughing and in competetion.  I have memories of the crazy stunts we pulled -- memories that I will never forget nor will I ever forget John.  You are and were a great person and i hope everyone knows that but I am sure they do.  John I will miss  you.  I will see you one day.  
Beth

 Facebook 2/9/2010
You will always be in my heart and thoughts! Some of my best days were spent with you!

Facebook 2/10/2010

I will never forget the days by the pool with Candy!! RIP John, you are safe and free now... strength to his family and his children.

  Facebook  2/11/2010

John, I am sure they have good chorizo in Heaven. You always loved a good taco stand- I remember you taking me to your favorite "shack", when we worked down town together :)

 Facebook 2/12/2010

T.j. Stilwell  Rest in Peace Brother...it was good to know you for this short time! Enjoyed our talks by the pool and when our kids swam together for the last year and a half! -T.J. Stilwell

Facebook 2/9/2010
I lost a best friend today. John Elias lost his battle with lung cancer. This world will not be the same.

So many things we share That I cannot believe my heart When it implies you are not there... to my brother John, may you rest in peace with the warmth and love you shared.

 AD Mumma  Barb--Andy here. I saw John's obituary in the paper Friday. I am so sorry to read of his passing.... It's funny with it being wrestling season and all--I was just thinking about John the other day and how much our neighbor boy reminds me of John: tough, strong and very likeable. Please know you, and John, are in my thoughts.

Facebook 2/12/2010
Oh no Oh no...
I am besotted with anguish for your loss. I know that you are now and will forever be changed by this tragedy. Sibling loss is so very difficult....I see it in my mom and her siblings as they still reel from the deaths of their brothers. I wish your brother peace on his journey and I wish you solace. You loved your brother dearly and you loved him well....how wonderful for you to have had each other. I believe that we shall see our loved ones again someday. I know your brother and dad will be waiting with smiles and arms opened wide when it is your time to leave the earth. I just ache for you in the here and now. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do.....I pray for you and your family...especially his children---so not fair!
All my love and prayers,

Facebook February 12, 2010

I wanted to say that you have been in my thoughts since yesterday. My peace and strength find their way. I wanted to say I met John for the first time at the 20 year reunion. I thought he was a lot of fun as his approach was I am filling in for my sister Barb, did you know her? That night he took me and a friend to the East side in his (Mustang, I believe) to get some good Mexican. I had just moved back to town and he was a lot of fun that night. I have a very wonderful fun memory of John all do to the first meeting and his confidence to show up as you. May God bless you, John's family and your family during this time. Again, I sent you peace, love and strength. I love the old family photo.

My prayers,
Michelle

Whenever I was lost in a remote area of a long legal description that was rapidly making me dizzy, John would take my hand, lead out of the wilderness and show me where I was---or should have been.
We told stories of our favorite Caribbean islands---Jamaica for John; Aruba for me.  
We told dog stories--trying to determine whose was the smartest.
We reminisced over some of the best meals we had eaten because John loved to eat (except the seeds in my home grown tomatoes).  Without him, we would never have known what to order from the taco van.
The memories are good.  My thoughts are with his family and friends and I hope their great memories of John will sustain them through this difficult time and in the days ahead.

February 12, 2010

To the family of John Elias,

I met John when he started working for First American.  If he was teaching a typist, which I was, he never became angry because you didn't understand exactly what he was saying, instead he went another way, and then you understood.

He was a very kind young man, and always willing to listen to any problem you had personally, or with the company, and what he said always helped.  I think he counceled a lot of people, and yet he was a RIOT!!!

Even though I've been gone from the company about two years, I will so miss him, why do these things have to happen to the nicest people?

Jean Robinson

I am the General Manager of American Abstract & Title Company in Clive, Iowa and Jasper County Abstract Company in Newton, Iowa.  I have been employed in the Abstract and Title business in central Iowa for the past twenty-five years.  Currently I serve on the board of directors of the Iowa Land Title Association as its Past-President.

I met John in 1995 when I interviewed him for the position of abstracter while I was working at Iowa Title Company in Des Moines, Iowa.  John immediately impressed me with his enthusiasm and desire to learn the job.  As I worked closely with John over the next few years, I found him to be very competent and intelligent.  His ability to master complex tasks served him well.  While we worked at Iowa Title Company, John and I regularly ate lunch together and occasionally would competitively ride bicycles in the evenings.  At the time I left Iowa Title Company in June 1999 to join American Abstract & Title Company, John was a key employee in his area.

Subsequently, John came to work at American Abstract & Title Company and was a key employee in the production area.  All the while I worked with John, he assisted me in the area of systems development.  He was always willing to test new software programs and system modifications for me, and was quickly able to adapt to new production methods.  His assistance in these areas was invaluable to me. 

During my career, I’ve trained and mentored numerous individuals to work at various positions in the abstract and title business, and as I recollect all those I’ve trained, John stands alone.  It was my great pleasure to teach John and watch him grow in his knowledge of the business to the point that he had attained a high-level of expertise.  John was well known by the local attorneys as an expert in his field and a first-call for assistance on difficult title situations.

He accomplished so much in his short career and he touched many lives, both personally and professionally.  The title business lost one of its very best.

Shortly after his father passed away, John shared with me that he had made a decision to place his faith in Jesus as his Savior.

I am grateful for the years I had to call John my friend, I will miss him dearly.

"I met John when I went to work for First American. John taught me to work the abstracts the way they did. He was very patient and kind. He had the prettiest eyes of any one I'd ever met. He was so full of life and fun to be around. John will always be in my heart and prayers. May he rest in peace. My prayers also go out to his family. God bless.

I admired John for his brilliant mind and great enthusiasm for life.  It was always a pleasure sharing stories and ideas with him.  John was a rare gem, he was real people, and a true friend.  He will be so dearly missed.  My heart goes out to his children and family during this difficult time.  I am so sorry for your loss.

John will be greatly missed. I worked with John for a brief period and he was such an intelligent man. He always talked about his kids whom he loved dearly. My prayers go out to his family. 
Jan Schall

I met John while working with his mother for several years and then as luck would have it, it was my pleasure to be able to work with John personally. We spent lots of times chatting and remembering years past.  His smile and laugh, will always be with me. He was a great friend and will be missed by all.
My prayers and thoughts are with his entire family.

My deepest sympathies for the loss of John. He was a co-worker and friend who will be missed greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with his children and family. May you have great memories of a wonderful person.
Jodi Ramey Bentley

OBITUARIO

John Michael Elias

16 octubre, 1967 – 9 febrero, 2010

McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary & Resthaven Cemetery

Muestre su apoyo

Comparta Un Recuerdo

Comparta
Un Obituario

Obtenga actualizaciones

Servicios