John Joseph Sheeley

John was born ON September 25th, 1938 to Anna and Michael Sheeley in Kansas City, Missouri. John was the fourth of nine children and remained very close to all of his siblings throughout their life. John was preceded in death by his parents and his five brothers, Richard, Pat, Jim, Larry and Tom.

He is survived by his three sisters, Diane (Harry) Harrison, Maurine (Jerry) Gardner, and Margaret (John) Psilopoulos; his wife, Cathy, of 55 years; their seven children, Denny (Stacie) Sheeley, Amy (Cliff) Laughlin, Jen (TJ) St. Clair, Katy (Greg) Turley, Megan (Robbie) Furlong, Jack Sheeley, and Nick (Davidikah) Sheeley; 14 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews whom he loved just like his own children.

John attended De La Salle Military Academy in Kansas City, Missouri and then joined the Christian Brothers community, which led to one of his favorite passions – teaching and working with kids. It was while he was teaching at O’Rafferty High School in Lansing, Michigan that John met the love of his life, Cathy. They were soon married and began a new adventure together in Kansas City.

John tested out many different professions but found that he especially excelled as a car mechanic. His great big heart and compassion for others did not match up well with running his own car shop. He was much happier to help people than to charge them.

John was a lifelong member of Guardian Angels Parish and was a mainstay volunteer and supporter of the elementary school and church. He was even one of GA’s most renowned girls’ and boys’ basketball coaches leading to many city titles over the years.

In retirement John continued to strengthen his passion and study of religion and enthusiastically enjoyed two of his most favorite pastimes – getting to see his grandkids as much as possible and listening to Royals baseball on the radio while swinging on his front porch.

John was a tremendous father, a loving husband, and a loyal and compassionate friend to many. He will be extremely missed by all.

A visitation for John will be held 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, 1310 Westport Rd., Kansas City, MO 64111. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. A committal service will be in Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery, 7601 Blue Ridge Blvd., Raytown, MO 64138.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcgilleymidtownchapel.com for the Sheeley family.