John Michael Gressley

1946 - 2025

It is with a broken heart that we share the passing of our uncle and friend, John Michael Gressley. John was born in Laurel, MS on October 30, 1946, to George Ray Gressley and Margaret Gressley. He passed away peacefully on June 25, 2025, at the Baptist Memorial Hospital at the age of 78.

John graduated high school in Laurel in 1963. He then attended Jones Community College and then Mississippi State University where he pursued a degree in Engineering. He later attended Swedish Technical University in Sweden. John's most significant strength was his thirst for knowledge and his commitment to work ethic. He was constantly seeking new ideas through seminars, workshops, and various courses ranging from learning pipe welding to learning to control of hazardous energy sources. John then worked for various Construction Companies all over the United States. He was also a Millwright Superintendent for Calor Celsius/KemaNord Blekkemi in Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. John then became President and General Manager of A MARS, INC. He was a man who knew no bounds. Later, John went to work for his friend, Steve Wooten, at Electro-Mech where he was the Vice President in the mid 1990's. During this time is where he gained a friendship with Miles Corley and become close to his family.

In 1993 friends John and Arlinda Brinkmann introduced John to the love of his life, Judy O'Neal. Watching Judy and John's relationship grow was a joy to all of their friends. This became a first and only marriage for the two, and they were inseparable until Judy's death in 2012.

In 1994 John began working for his good friend Attorney Sam Brand. He was best known for his work on school litigation from 1998 to 2002. What John gained, however, was a powerful friendship with Sam and his family. He continued to work for Sam until 2020.

Mourning John's passing are nephews Stacy (Gigi) O'Neal of Jackson, MS, Jeremy (Ashley) O'Neal of Madison, MS, sister in law, Cathy O'Neal of Madison, MS; devoted and extended family Erin Hope Brinkmann (Matt) Courtney of Clinton, MS; step sister Darlene Yingling, of CA, and step brother Charlie (Christie) Ward of AZ. John also leaves behind step nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his father, his mother, his sister, Patricia; his step brother, Harry (Rob) Ward, brother in law, Thad O'Neal and many step nieces and nephews.

John will be remembered for his smile filled with warmth. He never met a stranger, and he was a friend for life.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 6, 2025 at 4:30 pm with A Celebration of Life Service following at 5:30 pm, both at Lakewood Funeral Home on Clinton Blvd.

Honorary Pallbearers John Brinkmann, Sam Brand, Steve Burgess, Miles Corley, Jim Wiseman, Paul Starks, Eric Brinkmann and Carson Brinkmann.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Wells Church-United Methodist, WellsFest, 2019 Bailey Avenue, Jackson MS 39213.