John E. Hubbartt

John Hubbartt, a cherished man known for his kind heart, generous spirit and witty sense of humor, left us on October 3, 2024 after bravely battling numerous illnesses. John is known by most as a beloved teacher and influential part of their childhood. He had a way of always making each of his students feel special and seen, and has left a lasting impression on so many in this community.
John lived an amazing life with much for those he left behind to remember and celebrate. John spent the majority of his adult life with his wife Shelly. They were married for 51 years, and were not only the most loving of spouses but also the best of friends. Their relationship is an example to all but it did start out rocky, involving a scandalous breakup after he pulled her braids and hit her over the head with a book in the third grade. Fortunately for him he was able to recover in high school and win her back, and the rest is history.
John was a loving and amazing father to his two children, Sarah and Jesse. As a father, John was always available, spending time with each of his children and cultivating their interests, talents and personalities in a way that shaped who they became. Interestingly, he also had each of his children in school. Don't worry, he did not show any sort of favoritism. Sarah was given a "C" on her Geography midterm in the 7th grade, and Jesse received no less than two Saturday detentions.
John loved spending time with his family and friends, woodworking, reading, getting angry at the news, and enjoying a beer. He never met a beer he didn't like, and this could sometimes cause problems with its lack of availability when choosing a restaurant (looking at you Cracker Barrel).
Many know that John dearly loved dogs. He had found lifelong companionship in his boxer Pooper, his bulldog Sophie, and presently his boxer Boz, who was his retirement gift from his friends at Aurora Elementary School. She was his constant shadow, and her presence brought him happiness and peace, especially in the last few years.
John's presence in the lives of the people who loved him and the people whose lives he changed will be deeply missed. The world however is a better place because of his life, and we should all be grateful for that.
John is preceded in death by his parents Sherman and Virginia Hubbartt and his sister Jane Gribben. John left behind so many that loved him, including his adoring wife Shelly Hubbart and their two loving children Sarah Searcy and Jesse Hubbartt, and their spouses James (JB) Searcy, and Angie Hubbartt. In addition, he is survived by eight grandchildren: Sarah's children-Tessa Searcy, James (JJ) Searcy, and Penelope Searcy-and Jesse's children-Nathan Jones, Graison Hubbartt, Liam Hubbartt, Delaney Hubbartt, and Quinn Hubbartt. He is also survived by his niece and nephew Jennifer Gribben and Patrick Gribben.
Memorials in honor of John may be made to:
The First United Methodist Church of Aurora, The Cleveland Clinic, The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation and P.A.W.S. of Dearborn County Humane Center
John received so many transfusions of whole blood and platelets these past months, any blood donations in his honor would be greatly appreciated by the family and the Hoxworth Blood Center at UC.