John was one of the funniest people I've ever known. But more than that he was clever and creative with his use of language. His poetry illuminated the world of 1970s Iowa City culture. He was a member of the Iowa City cultural underground, haunting places like Donnelly's Beverage. I'll never forget the night Harold Donnelly threw John out of that bar. Ten minutes later John returned triumphant, to loud cheers. He was also a historian. He knew volumes about the writers who passed through town. John will be missed. He was always a friend. He was one of those people who always took the time.

I'm sorry to hear that John died but happy to have known him for decades. He was big hearted, talented and funny. I met him in the 1970s after I moved to Iowa City and was surprised when he told me that he grew up in my neighborhood in Mason City and may have even lived with his parents in my great grandparent's former house at one time. What a small world. I'll always have many fond memories of John and I hope he's having a ball in his new stage of existence. I would bet he is.

John was one of our nicest customers. Came in almost everyday. We'll miss seeing him at CVS downtown. John was always smiling and always made anyone's day a little better with his upbeat attitude.

John has been a special pleasure in my life since I met him some 45 years ago. His remarkable stories and his delightfully wry take on nearly everything never failed to entertain. I will miss our frequent meetings.

Dear Family & Friends,

I had the great pleasure to interview "Big John" while I was editor of The Heritage Agency's magazine The Involvement. He peaked my curiosity because he frequently submitted little humorous poems that were cleverly written. They were favorites of Involvement readers. You probably have volumes of his writings, at least I hope so. I interviewed him at the Iowa City Senior Center TV studio where he had as his guest the Iowa poet laureate, a good friend. It was there I learned he had been an illustrator for the renowned physicist James Van Allen. John was warm and humble, yet accomplished and inspiring. God rest his soul.

Nancy Beyer

Hello to John's family, I got to know John from his mealtimes at Mercy Hospital. I so enjoyed his discussions about the world, growing up in Mason City and working for the University. His television programs at the Senior Center were always well done. He loved to learn and I admired that about him. I feel lucky to have known him and that our paths crossed. My condolences. Mary C. McCarthy