John Jeffrey Bodi

Coming up on my dad's birthday again. I just wanted to write one last message to say goodbye to Mr. John J. Bodi, small business polymath and interesting person. Thanks for showing me stuff all kinds, the way you knew how. We didn't have the best relationship, I tried to make that possible - we were both having difficulty in our lives at the time. Perhaps it would've gotten better. G-d willing you are at peace. We shared many adventures, and I learned many things the other kids never got to...

The world lost a shining star and one of its best men when good ol´ Johnny boy was called home to the Lord and the world will never be the same without him. He was a kind, compassionate caring friend and a remarkable businessman. He taught people many things and they may have taught him a few, but not many because John was a genius, a self made man who could have done anything he wanted or been anyone he pleased. "Girls may just want to have fun" but John was FUN! Hell yeah. I knew that boy...

I usually put in another on his birthday, this year was hectic. Anyways. I still think about my dad, and we still talk about him all the time. I will be putting his ashes in Bodi Lake, in Bodi Lake State Park in Upper penninsula Michigan within the year, as it is a long drive from Chicago. I thought it a fitting resting place for him. A long stones throw away from his childhood stomping ground, near Hancock. I had been looking for a place for years - nothing seemed good enough. Bodi Lake...

Got to know John when he was running the Sports Exchange in Chicago. He was quite the character. Rest in peace my friend.

I think one last passage here would be appropriate as I have just had my birthday and it was a milestone in my life - I'm now of adult age. No more time to waste. Today I was thinking about how my uncle Ross used to call you a legend, and "the" legend, also how proud he was to have you marry his sister, my mother. And we both always still speak of you in all kinds of ways all the time like you never left. We look back at situations and things too - sometimes asking, "what would your father...

It is getting near the ten year anniversary. I have not forgotten my father in the slightest as I have thought of him every single day, and talk to him often. We still tell stories about us and he is very much alive as I tend the fire of his memory - and in the happy hunting ground - there is no other place name I can think to call it. I ask all the family and friends of my dad to meditate on the whole thing a little bit. Thank you.

I first met John at summer camp in 1977 and we were friends ever since. I remember when he started he's sports trading store in Chicago. John and Melissa and son had dinner a few times at my house with my wife Pamela. we miss John and remember the good times. Rest in peace my brother. Love the Franger family.

Dad. Tapiola- the happy hunting ground is good and plentiful, the game, challenging and nutritious. Build yourself a fire and meditate on us, as we will meditate on you. Sauna and drink deep the clear water, let your beard grow long. I will visit, you will visit, in the place of magic. Your son Justin.

Johnny B, we are deeply saddened by the news of your death. You were the best boss I've ever had. You were not just my boss, but a good friend. I'll never forget all the fun times. You were a kind, sweet, and fun person who liked to live on the edge. We're gonna miss you so much. We love you!