John Michael Cline

John Michael Cline, 81, passed away peacefully at his home in the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 16, 2025. He was a devoted Christian, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. John was the very definition of a family man.

He proudly served with the Columbus Fire Department for 32 years, where he was known as a passionate and dedicated firefighter who spent his life in service to others. Outside of the firehouse, John was a self-taught handyman and an enthusiastic cook. He poured countless hours into construction projects and landscaping-often giving the kids rides on the tractor or mowing the yard-and loved cooking for his fellow firefighters and his family. Over the years, John enjoyed playing golf, basketball, and bowling, watching old Westerns, traveling with his wife, and-much to the playful frustration of his loved ones-winning at Shanghai Rummy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Julia Cline, and his brothers, Larry and Jeff.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Carolyn; his brother, Robert (Janie); his children, Mickie (Andy) and Roman (Tonya); his grandchildren, Caitlin (Brooks), Morgan (Robert), Hannah, and Miranda (Nicholas); his great-grandchildren, Jay, June, and Harris; and his grand-dog, Mr. B. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Family and friends may visit 5-7:00pm on Monday, July 21, at the DWAYNE R. SPENCE FUNERAL HOME, 550 Hill Rd. N. Pickerington, OH 43147. The service will begin at 11am on Tuesday, July 22, at the funeral home. Interment and firefighter honors will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, The American Cancer Association and the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.