John Phelps

John Richard Phelps had an energy and enthusiasm about him that was larger than life. John was a funny and sincere young man who truly enjoyed being around people. Little kids especially liked hanging around John; he always took time out for them, whether it was to show them some skateboarding tricks or just hanging out with them at the skate park.

During 1990, Rich and Shelley (Slater) Phelps of Portage watched the world change before their eyes as the Hubble Space Telescope was launched, East and West Germany were united as one nation, and Operation Desert Shield unfolded in the Middle East. In the midst of it all, they anticipated a very personal and thrilling change in their very own home. On September 9th, they were blessed with a beautiful 8 lb. 3 oz. baby boy, a true bundle of joy. The first grandchild on the Slater side of the family, John made a great first impression by being born on Grandparents Day. John was named after both of his grandfathers and with all the Johns in the family, he had many nicknames. His grandparents called him "JR", his friends called him "Moped J" and he was "Buddy" to his parents.

John was an exceptionally good baby who brought the greatest joy imaginable to his parents. As an infant John clung to his favorite blanket, known as "blankie." As a little boy getting ready for kindergarten he was excited about riding the bus. He also was excited when he found out he had a baby sister coming into his life. John loved his sister, Ashley, dearly and was very protective of her.

John played hockey as a youngster, and loved fishing and making fish lures. His grandma took a picture of his first big fish and sent it in to Channel 8 News for "Big Fish Saturday." He and his Grandma Pam went to Fishing Memories every weekend to buy more fishing stuff, but when he got his first taste of skateboarding he was hooked, and the hockey stick gathered dust and the fish stayed in the water.

As John grew older, his interest in extreme sports grew. John thoroughly enjoyed riding his dirt bike and his four-wheeler. When John turned fifteen, his parents bought him a moped that he rode endlessly around Portage. This dubbed him "Moped J". The exhilaration, the action and the strength and skill required to excel suited his personality and his zest for life. He lined up his collectible skateboards with the utmost care and relentlessly pursued perfection of his skateboard tricks. Any time he had the chance, he and his friends hung out at the South Westnedge Skate Park. When John began snowboarding, he hit the slopes at Bittersweet whenever time and weather permitted.

The Phelps were a close-knit family and enjoyed spending time together. The family enjoyed going on day trips to Lake Michigan, and going to amusement parks to ride the roller coasters. John spent many vacations in Florida at Disney World as a youngster. Recently the family enjoyed a vacation in Aruba, and even there John was doing what he loved to do...skateboarding. About 4 years ago an extra special friend joined the Phelps family after much begging from John and Ashley. He was a furry four-pawed golden retriever, "Zack" who was named by John. He helped raise his puppy into a beautiful dog who was one of his best friends. Zack was definitely worth the wait.

John recently helped his father finish their basement to create a dream room for John and his friends to hang out. He covered his bedroom walls with skateboarding posters and pictures with the careful precision. John was a perfectionist and everything in his room had a precise place.

John attended Portage Central High School where he was entering into his sophomore year. John was looking forward driving himself and Tyler Ballentine to school everyday, as he would have been sixteen on September 9th. His parents just bought him his first car, a Pontiac Grand Prix GT that he was extremely proud of. John and his parents worked together for many hours getting his new car in perfect condition. John was so proud when he took his family and Tyler for his first few drives around town. John referred to his car as a "Sweet Ride." He started his first real job this summer at Right Way Rental, and truly enjoyed working there.

Children are often very good at seeing people for who they really are, and children loved John. His younger cousins looked up to him, especially little Chase, who didn't know his own phone number, but knew how to call John and invite him over to play. John made time for the shorter members of the family, making them feel important and valued.

In one of life's tragic, unexpected, and inexplicable twists, John's life ended suddenly due to a car accident. His friend, sixteen-year-old Adam Sagara, was killed as well, and one of his best friends, fifteen-year-old Tyler Ballentine, was critically injured. Three other friends were in the car, but were fortunate to escape serious injury.

Despite the brevity of his life, John impacted others in ways that many people never do. He let his family know how he felt about them, he took time to play with children, and he was there when his friends needed him. He will always be remembered as a vibrant and alive young man who took chances and didn't just sit back and watch life pass him by. He will continue to be with his loved ones forever, leaving them with fond memories, the example of enthusiasm for life, and the inspiration to make the most of every moment.

John died on Monday, August 14, 2006. Members of John's family include his parents, Rich and Shelley, his sister Ashley, his grandparents, John and Pam Slater, John Phelps, and Wanda and Fritz Sumerix, his aunts and uncles, Shela and Brian Cronk, Jerry and Julie Phelps, Evvie and Don Cushine, Cindy Phelps, Mark Zidell, Jean Phelps, and Mary Lou Phelps, close family friends John Vroegop, Fred Buchanan, and Donny Hoffstudder and many cousins, friends and relatives.

Learn more about John, view his life story film and visit with his family and friends on Friday, August 18, from 2 - 4 p.m. and from 6 -8 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, RDMG - Portage, 5975 Lovers Lane, where a funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 19, at 3 p.m. Please visit John's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can share a favorite memory, sign the online guest book, or view his Life Story film.