John Jerelos

John Jerelos was always the first person to ask, How are you doing? He was a friendly, considerate person who thought of others before himself. He was deeply devoted to his family, and in their warm company a familiar smile always brimmed over his lips. With the end of the Second World War, thousands of young soldiers returned to their civilian lives back home. The economy prospered, and the baby boom was soon underway. In Muskegon, Michigan, Constantine Jerelos and his wife Katherine Kepros were among the many expecting parents. On August 6, 1949 they were blessed with the healthy birth of their son John Constantine Jerelos. The eldest of three children, John grew up in Muskegon with his brother Peter and his sister Karen. Shortly before he was born, his mother stopped working at Kindy Optical to focus entirely on raising the children. His father meanwhile provided for the family through his job as a machinist at Continental Motors. The Jerelos family settled in Roosevelt Park where John attended Campbell School. Although he loved to read books, he had certain learning challenges involving his speech and hearing. When John was ten years old, his family relocated to a home in Norton Shores, located on Davis Road. Here John discovered his lifelong love for the outdoors. Their home was situated on a big plot of land, surrounded by woods. This provided the perfect setting for many childhood games. John and his brother would build forts, pick berries, and play in the creek. John was also a member of the Boy Scouts, and in the summertime he and his family explored Michigans great outdoors, visiting the Upper Peninsula and the Sleeping Bear Dunes. They would often rent a cabin for a week-long trip. When John was old enough, he joined his dad and Uncle Gus on their deer-hunting excursions. This proved to be a wonderful bonding experience, an activity that became a tradition for many years. John started his high school career at Mona Shores where he played on the football team. He later transferred to Orchard View High School to attend special education classes. Following his graduation, he had various part-time jobs. He was an employee at the Three Star Liquor Store, where his father also worked part-time, and Drelles Sandwich Shop. He also did some work for Goodwill. John continued to live with his parents, and in 1984 they relocated to Hollywood, Florida where he found a job in building maintenance. He continued to love the outdoors, and with the company of his mother and father he visited all the sights in Florida, from the Keys to the Carolinas. Karen, his sister, also lived and worked in Florida, and she often accompanied the family on their vacations. John loved visiting historical places. He was a curious person, always eager to know more. When he visited a site of interest, he collected plenty of pamphlets that he carefully perused. He also enjoyed reading reference books and magazines. He had an impressive memory, a gift for retaining facts and important dates. His family relied on him for this skill. When they wanted to know something, they would say, Just ask John. In 1999, John and his parents returned to Muskegon. His sister Karen had also returned to Michigan: she owned several rental properties, and she employed John to do her maintenance work. After his father passed away in the year 2000, John acquired his own apartment in Roosevelt Park. John was very close to his family. He enjoyed holiday get-togethers and reunions, and he loved to spend time with his nieces and their children. In 2003 John suffered from several seizures, which his doctors eventually managed to control. However, in recent months Johns family noticed a change in him. In late September, after undergoing a medical evaluation, his doctors discovered the cause: an inoperable brain tumor. Johns health quickly declined, and by mid-October he was admitted into Poppen Hospice House. The staff loved John. He was truly a special person. Despite his prognosis, he remained as happy as ever, a smile constantly illuminating his face. John was a kind-hearted son, brother, and uncle who loved his family and cherished all the time that they spent together. Among the many people whose hearts he touched, he will be greatly missed and frequently remembered. John died on Saturday, November 17, 2007. He was a member of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. He is survived by his mother, Katherine Jerelos; 1 sister, Karen (Barry) Eifert of Norton Shores; 1 brother, Peter Jerelos of Norton Shores; nieces, Stacey Jerelos & her children, Lily & Mily & Katie Jerelos & her child, Lyric; many aunts, uncles & cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Constantine in December of 2000. The Service for John will be held on Tuesday, November 20, 2007, 11:00 AM at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church with Fr. Catalin Mot officiating. Interment at Oakwood Cemetery. Please visit with friends and family on Monday, 2-4 & 6-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home with a Trisagion service at 7:30 PM. MEMORIAL: Harbor Hospice Poppen House or Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. Please visit Johns personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may sign the online guestbook or archive a favorite memory.