Michael "M.J." John Michael "M.J." John died on Sunday, July 31, 2011, after a long battle with alcoholism and depression. He will be remembered as a gentle and sweet man with a big heart and giving spirit who deeply loved his family and friends.
He was born on June 11, 1960, in Waynesboro, a son of the late William E. John Jr. and Mary O'Connor John.
He graduated from Waynesboro High School in 1978, and was a member of the United States Air Force for five years, and worked as a heavy equipment operator at Miller Coors Brewery for almost 25 years. He also had a God given talent for dancing.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Marian Swisher; two nieces, Meghan Snoddy and Bridgett Snoddy; and a nephew, Sean Michael Snoddy.
Left to cherish his memory are four sisters, Margaret Snoddy and her husband, Vernon, of Scottsville, Christine Kenderdine of Manassas and Nancy John of Waynesboro; his twin sister, Eileen Burns and her husband, Jerry, of Staunton; nephews, Patrick Snoddy and wife, Kelly, Tom Kenderdine, Ryan Snoddy and James Burns; nieces, Mary Kenderdine and Kaila Burns; and three great-nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Thursday, August 4, 2011, at St. John's Catholic Church by Father Rolo Castillo. Burial will be private.
The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, August 3, 2011, at McDow Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Meghan Snoddy Scholarship Fund c/o Buckingham County High School, 78 Knights Road, Buckingham, VA 23921.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.mcdowfuneralhomeinc.com.
This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.
