Writing this already makes this even more real, no matter how much we wish it wasn’t. This news is devastating but we want to share with everyone who loves him so we can wrap him and our family in prayer and support.

What is evident to me when I think about how special my dad is, it’s how special he always makes others feel. Everywhere he goes, he leaves an impact. Everyone he meets, loves him. He shows up in every way possible for those he loves. He’s now in a place where we have the opportunity to show up for him, no matter how much he may refuse.

When I think of my dad, he’s never met a stranger. In fact, everyone he spends time with becomes a friend. This started at a very young age through his childhood in Council Bluffs, Iowa with lifelong friends who know him as “Hatch”. Graduated from ALHS in 1980 and IWCC in 1983. He left Iowa in 1984 and he and some of his friends ventured out West to spend time living in Arizona and California for a few years.

In 1989, he met my mom over the phone on Valentine’s Day. She was in New York, and he was in California. A few weeks later he took her to dinner and the rest is history. They fell in love over the phone, he mailed her money for the long-distance calls, but it wasn’t long before they committed to moving to Georgia together. They got married in 1991 and his best friend from kindergarten was their best man! He was an instant stepdad to my brother, Nick, who was six at the time. He didn’t hesitate and stepped up in more ways than one but spent most of his time as “Coach”. You might remember my dad from his 25 seasons as Coach John, he dedicated his time and poured love into so many of us as kids that I will always appreciate. It’s not uncommon for old friends of ours to still refer to him as Coach John, which is a testament to his support and what he meant to them too.

Not surprisingly, he made incredible friendships along the way professionally, too. He's well-traveled and enjoyed his time spent doing so for work. He has spent almost his entire career in Consumer Electronics Audio/Video and Pro Sound, keeping connections in the industry the entire time. His 30+ years in the industry have led to both Product Development and Regional Sales roles. Companies like Belkin, Panamax, Jasco, Monster Cable Products, SnapAV, AVAD, Next Level and PSG. Because of this, he traveled extensively to 40 of the 50 States, Europe, Mexico, Australia, Canada and Russia. He spent the majority of his time, though, in Asia. Nearly 100 trips, sometimes weeks at a time, in Taiwan, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Indonesia. His career was never about sales, but building relationships and caring about his customers, which led him to great success.

Another area he devotes his time in every stage of his life is church. He was born and raised in Grace Presbyterian (IA), where he was an altar boy and in the children’s choir. He gave his life to Christ over the summer at Knox Knolls camp at the age of 14. He raised his family in Shadowbrook Baptist (GA) where he served in AWANAs and City of Bethlehem tour. Now, he is immensely faithful to his home church, Lifepointe (SC). He has served on the Elder team for many years and led multiple Lifegroups. In every church family, he contributed his time through running sound for worship. Music is a huge passion of his and he loved being able to support in this way. Being a part of the body of Christ and serving his community is extremely important to him.

His diagnosis of ALS will be a difficult road ahead. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain. It leads to muscle weakness, difficulty speaking and swallowing, and eventually, paralysis. The financial burden of ALS treatment is significant. The cost of medical treatment, equipment, and ongoing care will be substantial. Through this journey we want him to prioritize time with his family and allow us to soak in every minute as husband, father and “Grampy” to Avery, Easton, Gracyn and Elliana.

Donations will go towards:

No amount is too small, we appreciate any contribution, either financially or through prayer. Your support along the way is something we will never forget!