Eulogy From Pat...

I am sure everyone here today would have liked the opportunity to speak about our friend John. I feel honored to have the chance to share some of my memories. Over the past couple weeks, I have marveled at the people in John’s life; from his childhood friends, who would probably lay down in front of car for him, to his friends in college who seem more like brothers, to his doctors and nurses at the clinic especially Moe, to Urban Meyer who lifted John’s spirit in times when you wouldn’t think it possible. The list is endless and I have been so impressed by so many of the people here today and your willingness to help in any way possible. It has been a blessing to the family and for that I thank you. Of course, I would not think anything less but to associate John with good people.

I know John helped to make me a better person and he will continue to make me a better person. His core values, unbelievable fight, kindness, love, faith and everything about him was pure. He was one of those rare people who you struggle to find something bad to say about.

We all know John could be counted on as one of your best friends; he was a teacher and coach. His teaching and coaching extended beyond the classroom and the playing field. He helped mold many young people’s lives. You only have to look at his football players sitting here today to see the impact he had on them. It is so unfortunate that John and Jess did not the opportunity to become parents. They would have been wonderful parents. And their children would have had true role models to look up to.

I flash back to a scene from one of my favorite movies, Gladiator when during the movie Russell Crowe playing Maximus says, “what we do in life echoes in eternity.” To me this is so fitting for John’s life. It is important that John’s life, and especially his fight over the past couple years not be forgotten. It will be a long time before you hear me complain about how tough my life is. His love for life and people and his values will be something I pass on to my children. Years from now I will sit down with my kids and teach them about their Uncle John. If I have one request of people here today it is please do not let the teachings of this man go to waste. I believe God put John here to make us all better people. Please even if it is just one thing that you found to be special about John try to take that and incorporate it into your daily lives. If we do this his life will certainly echo in eternity and the world will be better because of it.
-Pat Stocker, John's Brother-In-Law

Calling Hours at Sts. John & Paul High School
Left to right: Donnie, Jake, Jacob, Erick, Eric, Jessica
Kneeling: Mike, Jeremy and Steve