John Mark Pettyjohn

John, born in Kansas City, grew up in Independence, MO, with his loving parents and older brother. He was an active member of Immanuel Baptist Church of Independence, where he taught Vacation Bible School and participated in mission/service trips as a teenager. John graduated from Raytown High School in 1997 and earned two Associates Degrees from Johnson County Community College. From a young age, he loved fiddling with electronic gadgets and drew satisfaction from helping others with them, so he chose a career as a computer support professional, working 15 years for the Raytown School District and then for the IRS.

John loved a wide variety of music, both as a listener and a performer. One of his proudest moments was playing trombone in his high school marching band in the half-time show of the 1995 Holiday Bowl in San Diego. He was a gifted tenor with a beautiful high range that was the envy of many, including this author, his brother. He sang both in church youth choir and in the RHS choirs under the direction of Noel Fulkerson. (I'll add that he could shred on vocals at Xbox Rock Band house parties.)

John had a passion for social justice, believing, according to the Way of Jesus, that all of us were created equal in the image of our Creator God, and that decency demands that we treat others, no matter who they are, where they come from, what faith they choose or abstain from, and whom they choose to love, as we would our own family. He actively followed what was going on in politics, prioritized voting in every election, and staunchly supported everyone's right to vote. He loved America and was an avid history buff. He could talk your ear off for hours about American presidents, including the "boring," mostly forgettable ones between Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt.

As a matter of fact, he could talk your ear off about of lot of things, whether it be classic cars, home improvement shows, Mythbusters, Dr. Who (especially Tom Baker, the GOAT Doctor), Star Trek, or earth sciences (specifically volcanos, geology, and dinosaurs). He loved animals, both wild animals like the Brown Bears fishing at Brooks Falls in Alaska (especially bear 480 Otis), or his beloved cats that shared his home over the years. He was a proud cat dad, and had such a tender heart for them that revealed the love and compassion in his soul.

John was also an avid sports fan, whether it be football, basketball, or baseball. He and his brother had a special bond, cheering like crazed lunatics for the Chiefs, Royals,and Jayhawks men's basketball. On at least one occasion, the duo, affectionately dubbed "the Sons of Thunder" by a dear church friend, rudely awoke their parents well after midnight. The Chiefs' recent championships were moments of pure elation and a welcome and long-awaited boon for a long-suffering Chiefs Superfan.

John Mark is survived by his parents, Harry Andrew Pettyjohn and Susan Kay Pettyjohn of Independence, MO, and his brother, David Andrew Pettyjohn of Simsbury, CT. He died far before his time, and he will be sorely missed by family and friends.

His memorial service will be 11 AM Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Second Baptist Church, 300 E. Kansas St., Liberty, MO, immediately preceded by family visitation at 10 AM at Second Baptist.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society (tiny.cc/acsjmp) in the hope that we can rid ourselves of that terrible disease that took everything from him and countless others or to Wayside Waifs Animal Shelter (waysidewaifs.org) to honor his endearing love for animals.