Obituary of John D. Sales

John David Sales, 64, longtime resident of Iowa City died Monday, August 3, 2015, at the Lantern Park Nursing and Rehab Center in Coralville. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Sunday, August 9, 2015, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service, with burial to follow at Oakland Cemetery in Iowa City. Visitation will be from 12 noon until services on Sunday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in John's memory. Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web @ www.gayandciha.com. John David Sales was born July 28, 1951, in Sibley, Iowa the son of John P. "Jack" and Joyce Y. (Nicks) Sales. He attended schools in Sibley, Iowa until his family moved to Iowa City where he attended City High School. For many years he worked as a pipe fitter/welder for the University of Iowa, pretty much knowing every square inch of the steam tunnels under Iowa City! John enjoyed life. He spent much time in nature, fishing, practicing archery, camping and road-tripping, boating, singing in his car, and simply being outside. He earned a reputation as an avid bow hunter and outdoorsman early on. He loved his family and friends very much, his three children being central to his life. His children were raised knowing that this affectionate man loved them without qualification. He always wore his heart on his sleeve. John had an animated personality, and many will remember this very unforgettable character! His family includes his three children, Amy " Amo" L. Sales of Coralville; John D. Sales Jr. (Christine) of Bettendorf; Joshua P Sales (Cristi) of Tama; and 2 granddaughters, Ruby and Violet; his parents, John P. and Joyce Sales of Coralville; siblings, Jerri Bricker (John) of Iowa City; Jeff Sales of Iowa City; Jeb Sales of Boise, ID; Joel Sales of Boise, ID; and John's former wife, Sandy Gay of Coralville. John was preceded in death by his grandparents, Fred and Esther Sales and Ira and Helen Nicks.