This  picture was taken at norris lake 1st time john caught one with a jig .we had a ball that day

I have known John and his family for many years . Donnie and  I bowled together at Ftn.Lanes  in the late 60’s early 70’s .  John and I spoke almost every day, I’m gonna miss talking UT sports , fishing and motorcycles with him. His family was a bright light in his life. My wife, Kathy loved this man and are both heartbroken!  Him and his wife Buttons always checked on us while we were going thru some health issue - he was so kind and caring ! I was supposed to have breakfast with him on Friday morning. When Buttons called me at 4am with the news of his passing, I was devastated and speechless. John and Nic remodeled my wife’s childhood home for us , I see him and his work everyday ! He will never be forgotten ! Our Prayers go out to John’s entire family-may God wrap his arms around all of you and ease the pain of this tragic loss ! We love you all 🩵

John  was truly a friend  to Keith.John was the first friend he met after retiring from the navy and moving to Tennessee in 2001 . They work together at Southern Mechanicals. He was truly a good friend to our family  so has Button’s and Nick. Our hearts are saddened with the passing of John. He will truly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Love you Button’s and family.❤️🙏

Nicholas Ray French, John's son, has several undeniable traits of John--never met a stranger, love of fishing, and an undeniable laugh.

Please pray for John's son as he navigates life without his dad, as well as other family members.

RIP John

Rena and John Amerson

John boy was a very kind hearted person. First time I met him was in 1979  when I worked at fort sanders hospital, he was buddies with jeff smith they both worked on a job site there the two of them were a mess. A year later I married Jeff.. i didn’t see John boy  many times over the years I saw him at Jeff’s funeral and recently at a little restaurant on Clinton hey. My brother went there every morning and my brother said he was always so kind and cheerful . Praying for peace and comfort to the family. 🙏🏻

John Boy was my first Journeyman I ever worked with. He coined me with the nickname “ BooBoo” and it has stuck even 27 years later. One of the best men I’ve ever worked for and I’ve worked with a bunch. My heart goes out to his family.

This is uncle John holding my new born daughter Iva. I guess her words describe  my brother perfect ( FUN)  guess that is the word I would use too. I find some peace in knowing he always created (FUN) for the people around him. I want to thank everyone for helping to guide  my brother to find Jesus. I know that his love for God ran deep. We always talked about God and his grace. I truly believe when he arrived in heaven the FUN was on. Thanks for all the fun we had.

We grew up 7 French kids on Garden Drive in Fountain City.  Lost my older brother Donnie too soon from Mesothelioma and now my baby brother Johnny.
Bobby and Johnny were 15 months apart riding full speed on beat up bicycles who knows where from dawn to dusk. Grannie Iva called them "wild Indians". Since we all had some Cherokee blood, physical stamina and survival skills, I think it was a compliment now and spot-on.  
 I made "the boys" take a bath, brush their teeth. and say their prayers at night.    The water was brown after the bath.   Johnny wanted me to read to him, but Bobby was fast asleep already.  With my first paycheck I bought them Gar-Animal outfits from the K-mart on Broadway.  They had two sizes too small shorts, no shirt or shoes in the summer.  I think they liked the soft cotton that fit but never matched up the animals to co-ordinate the outfits.  
From the time Rena gave birth to Nicolas, Johnny loved him with a passion and always proudly talked about him. That handsome tan skinned toddler could catch brim from the houseboat almost before he could walk which delighted Johnny to no end. It's in the blood I guess as my son Mac loves to fish but was not lucky enough to have a dad to teach him like Johnny did Nick.   
 My mind is playing "Go rest High on that Mountain" over and over. Vince Gill started it for Keith Whitley who died of alcohol poisoning but finished when his brother died decades after struggling with brain damage from a traffic accident.   For Johnny some things would be worse than this tragic way but know that is little comfort now for those left behind.
Go rest high on that mountain, Johnny
Your life on earth is done
Go to heaven a-shoutin'
Love for the Father and the Son (Vince Grant Gill )

You will always be my baby brother. 

Kathy "Frenchfries" Oakes

John and I shared some common interests, fishing (he had some great fishing stories) golfing, when he could find the time. But our best connection was our love for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
I'll miss his smile and his love of life. He could walk into a room and make 10 new friends. I'm going to miss those conversations we had on Sunday mornings after church service. Next time when we meet it will be for eternity. I'm at peace knowing that Jesus has you in His arms.
Your buddy.......Paul Pankow

John ( Frenchy ) to me and all us girls at Bootlegger Harley-Davidson.  You will so be missed. I will always be your tinkerbell.  Prayers to your family they lost and amazing  husband, father,  papaw and us a friend.

Never had a better friend will miss him more than anything can't wait to see him again i pray God gives all of you peace and great memories time will heal us love all of you ❤️

My husband Steve and I went out to eat with John Boy and Lavonda every week , he was more like a brother and Lavonda like a sister . What happend breaks our hearts but we look forward to to the day we sill see him again ( Unless he gets thrown out of heaven) see you again my other brother . Love you guys so much💔

I dont know if any words can express how sad I feel for Lavonda ( always known as Buttons to me) and John's children and family. I know that all I heard was wonderful things about a great man. I am sending much love and healing your way. He is in God's care and I know he is wrapped in warmth and life and no pain.

OBITUARY

John Edward French

July 13, 1958 – June 4, 2026

Berry Highland Memorial

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