John Matthew Stygles

Reverend Doctor John Matthew (JM) Stygles, brother, uncle, friend, nurturer, cook, author, political consultant, priest and larger than life personality, passed away on Friday March 16, 2018 at the age of 63. John will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to have known him. Raised in Natick, MA, John showed an early talent for bringing people together and wanting to make a difference serving as Natick High Class President in 1972. John attended Northeastern University for his undergraduate studies, later earned an MBA, and was active in politics, playing important leadership roles first in local campaigns, then in national and international political campaigns, including those of Senators John Glenn, Alan Cranston, and Edward Kennedy. John also was one of the organizers of the first Farm Aid Concert in 1985, and was a consistently strong supporter of various labor unions.

Throughout his life, John’s faith in the human sprit and commitment to social justice never wavered. In his late forties, he decided to pursue theological studies and became a priest in the United Catholic Church. Father John was able to touch countless lives, offering not just spiritual guidance, but helping to feed and clothe those in need, and by leading various groups for the betterment of mankind. John was Spiritual Director of Healing Human Hearts and Director of Financial Aid at the Memphis Theological Seminary in Memphis, TN. John later earned his doctorate from the Memphis Theological Seminary and published several works, including, "Scammed By Society: The Contextual Theology and Christian Ethics of the Irish Travelers in the United States of America". John was a giant of a man with an enormous heart who transformed many lives and will be greatly missed in the human realm.

John is survived by his Massachusetts family including his siblings: Kathryn and Ernest Peirce of Natick, MA, Mark F. of Hopedale, MA, Michael P. of Grafton, MA and Siobhan and John Giantis of Swampscott, MA. He was also a loving uncle to James, John, Thompson, Iain, Michael, Ned, Mary, Shannon, Helen and Theia, and grand nephew Joaquin. John is also survived by many friends and a large, loving spiritual community he called his “Memphis Family.” John was preceded in death by his parents Dr. James E. and Helen M. Stygles, his brothers James Christopher and Robert, and his nephew and godson, Tristan Sean.

There will a celebration of John's life held at Lindenwood Christian Church at 2400 Union Ave. on Wednesday at 11:00 AM.

In Natick Massachusetts a funeral mass will be held at St . Linus 10:00AM on Saturday March 24 at 119 Hartford St Natick Ma

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made in John’s name to either: the Burrito Ministry, c/o IONA – A Community of Faith, 1790 Faxon Ave., Memphis, TN 38112 or the Memphis Theological Seminary, 168 E. Parkway, S. Memphis, TN 38104