John Potter

For John Potter, there was no greater gift or blessing than the love of family. Despite times of great struggle in the early years of his life, John more than made up for it as an adult. He adored and loved the family entrusted to his care, and in them he found his greatest joy. He served his country with honor, and worked hard to secure an education. With a prospering career, John built a strong foundation for his family embodied with stability, security, and most importantly, love. Although he will be deeply missed, John leaves much to be remembered in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

By 1925, the heyday of the Roaring Twenties was taking the country by storm. Jazz was all the rage while baseball was America’s favorite pastime. Al Capone conquered the bootlegging racket, and Sears Roebuck opened their first retail store. Yet nestled along the landscape in the Upper Peninsula city of St. Ignace, Michigan, John Walter and Alexia Nevada (MacDonald) Quance experienced the birth of their son, John Walter on February 2, 1925.

John's father worked as an accountant while his mother remained at home as a homemaker with John and his younger sister, Shirley. John endured the instability of ever changing times throughout his childhood. Despite the difficulties of his youth, he was ever determined to see his dreams realized. He attended the St. Ignace area schools, and as a child enjoyed the outdoors and all it had to offer, especially fishing. From his earliest years, John loved building model airplanes which began his lifelong ambition and a desire to fly. Always a hard worker, John had a paper route delivering newspapers as a kid. He later worked the docks, and even got a job mowing the lawn at The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. With his competitive nature, John always liked a good challenge, especially when it came to sports which remained for the rest of his days.

After moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan, John attended and graduated from Wyoming Park High School. After high school, John landed a job at Blodgett Memorial Hospital as a laboratory assistant while furthering his education at Grand Rapids Junior College. However, with the onset of World War II, John was soon drafted and began serving in the U.S. Army as a gunner. After transferring to the U.S. Army Air Corps, John realized his forever dream, and was trained as a fighter pilot. Noted as having excellent character, John excelled in his duties. Following his honorable discharge from the service, John returned home to Grand Rapids. He worked various jobs and through the GI Bill, went on to study civil engineering at Michigan State University, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in 1951.

While attending school, John's life was forever changed when he was set-up on a blind date with the young woman who won his heart, Callista Runge. They dated for three years and on March 19, 1949 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, John and Callista shared vows of marriage. They enjoyed a memorable honeymoon at The Palmer House in Chicago, Illinois, and years later, for their 50th wedding anniversary, they returned and were treated like royalty.

John and Callista began their new life together in Lansing, Michigan where they settled for a time. When John acquired a job with B.F. Goodrich, they moved to Akron, Ohio before returning to Grand Rapids where John went to work for Strom Construction. Callista worked as a nurse until she and John began a family with the addition of two children, Janet and John E. John wanted only the best for his family, and worked hard to provide a good, loving home for those entrusted to his care. They raised their children in faith as members of Westminster Presbyterian Church where John was a member for over 50 years. He served in many capacities at church and was involved in his children's youth activities there. He also served on the board of trustees and as a board member for Camp Henry.

In 1963, John ventured out on his own and began his own construction company. Having served the greater Grand Rapids area for over 50 years, and to his credit, many landmarks throughout West Michigan bear John's expertise. He served as past president of the Associated Contractors and the Michigan Underground Contractors. John once quipped it was all because he "liked playing in the dirt"! John always gave credit where credit was due in a collaborative effort among his staff and surrounding agencies involved in the construction trade. John was well esteemed among his peers, and well respected by his son, John who came to operate the company following his retirement.

With his beloved wife by his side, John enjoyed his love for travel. They visited wonderful destinations such Venezuela, Europe, Canada, Mexico, and Russia, along with trips throughout the U.S. and to sunny Caribbean Islands. John was considered a grill master, especially when it came to steak. He loved a good rib eye, as well as seafood. As an avid reader, John was interested in many subjects. From novels to biographies to the newspaper, there was always something to capture his attention. His love of flying never waned. At one time John owned his own Cessna 172 four seater which he loved. He also won many car show awards with his beauty, a 1973 Jaguar. Working in his perennial gardens was also a source of joy for John. Having appreciated a diversified array of music, John enjoyed listening to classical music and Dixieland jazz. For a time after college, he even played in a dance band.

In all ways, John Potter delighted in his family. He took great pride in his grandchildren, and loved spending time with them. From rough beginnings to a life filled with the love of family, John leaves memories to be cherished and will be fondly remembered for all he gave, and more.

At the age of 89, John W. Potter, of Grand Rapids passed away Wednesday, January 14, 2015. He is survived by Callista, his wife of 67 years; children, Janet (Mark) Moyer and John (Michelle) Potter; grandchildren, Melissa (Brandon) Kerkstra, Audrey (Dave) Maylone, Callista Potter and Cameron Potter.

A service to celebrate John’s life will be held Tuesday, January 20, 2015, 11:00 AM at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 47 Jefferson Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI. Relatives and friends may meet with his family on Monday at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home-Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Contributions in John’s memory may be directed to the American Heart Association or to the American Diabetes Association. To share a favorite memory or photo of John and to sign his online guest book, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.