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John Addis Obituary
LAFAYETTE – John J. Addis, 70, of Burbank, California, formerly of LaFayette, IL, died at 12:04 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, 2020 at Belmont Village, Burbank, CA.
Born May 18, 1949 in Peoria, IL, the son of John Cutler and Eleanor Alma (Smith) Addis. He is survived by his mother of LaFayette.
Also surviving are his brother, James D. (Mary Alice) Addis of LaFayette; nephew, James Dustin (Katherine) Addis and grand-niece, Emma James Addis of Valley Village, California. His father preceded him in death.
John was a graduate of Toulon High School and studied theology at Illinois Wesleyan University. He moved to Salt Lake City to study theater and dance at the University of Utah. He was a professional performer, choreographer and director on stage, screen and television. His credits include A Chorus Line (Broadway), Annie Get Your Gun and Murder She Wrote. He enjoyed an extensive stage career with celebrities Juliet Prowse, Ann-Margaret, Debbie Reynolds and Bobbi Gentry. He was a member of SAG /AFTRA.
He rejoined The Walt Disney Company in May 1985 and retired a Sr. Show Director, October 2019 after a career of creating magic for millions of children and adults around the world. John received Disneyland's Golden Spirit award and was inducted to the Entertainment Hall of Fame.
John was a member of the West Jersey United Methodist Church and attended the Hollywood United Methodist Church.
His calm, patient and supportive nature will be missed by all who knew John. His magic and guidance is a legacy to "What [He] Did for Love".
A private family funeral will be held at Haskell Funeral & Cremation Services in Princeville. Rev. Fred Reiner will officiate. Private burial will be at Princeville Township Cemetery. A memorial service for John will be held at later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to City of Hope, 5522 Sepulveda Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91411, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105, or, Starlight Children's Foundation, 400 Corporate Pointe, Suite 590, Culver City, CA. 90230.
As an expression of sympathy, please leave your name and an online condolences for John's family on his tribute wall at www.haskellfuneral.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Stephen Selvidge
February 9, 2023
Photo of John, Victoria Arbiter and myself at an opening night party of lion king film in Leicester square in 1995
Stephen Selvidge
February 9, 2023
I got to work with John when he came yo London with Disney back in 95 to 98. He put his heart and soul into all the shows, which made the whole experience so joyous.
He was the most wonderful person and friend. Thank you for such happy memories, it was a privilege to have know you. RIP John
Ron Jason
April 30, 2020
A talented and wonderful person. My dressing room mate from A Chorus Line. Will forever remember the laughs and fun we had. RIP John.
May you be in Gods light.
April 15, 2020
May God's promise found in John 6:40, of the hope to see our loved ones again, comfort your heart and give you peace, strength, and hope in the days ahead.
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We stood together every night for over a year, such a talent,friend, a shining star < RIP my friend
Roberta (Bobbi) Stevenson
April 13, 2020
My Bobby, my beautiful friend. I so treasure knowing you. Always in my heart John. RIP till we meet again
April 12, 2020
Jim,
So sorry for your loss. Hope you and your family recover quickly from this terrible happening.
Kay and Duane Hansen
John R. MCNUTT
April 11, 2020
Jim and Mary Kate......Becky and I are terribly sorry to hear about your brother. Seventy is much too young to leave this world. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Hope you are staying safe and are healthy from this virus. The world is upside down right now......but, this too, shall pass!!JR
April 11, 2020
John and I were life guards at Princeville pool for 2 years. What fun we had!! John was always so much fun and a caring person. I 'll always have great memories of those summers. Connie (McIntyre) Fusco
Ann Smith
April 10, 2020
John was my friend throughout grade and high school. We shared a love of music, he played oboe and I played tenor sax. His folks taught Sunday school at our tiny church in West Jersey and led the youth group in which we both participated. They were a loving constant for our small group. We're so happy to hear of all John's accomplishments in California - dancing and choreographing for many years.
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304 North Walnut Avenue, Princeville, IL 61559
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