John L. Stofey, 73, of Elizabethton, Tenn., passed away unexpectedly with his family and loved ones by his side on Monday, May 27, 2019, at Johnson City Medical Center. John was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., to the late John Albert Stofey and Leona Barejsha Stofey. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Jacqueline Corlew, and an infant son, John Christopher Stofey.
John was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather. He was a United States Army veteran, having served during the Vietnam Era.
John had a vast thirst for all that life had to offer and put passion into all of his hobbies. He was an avid reader, with hundreds of books, but took a particular interest in military history with a specific focus on the Civil War and WWII. In line with his military interests, he crafted and painted numerous military model aircraft and vehicles. Additionally, his three cats were well loved and cherished companions. Another love of John’s was baseball. He kept his own meticulous stats, watched many a game and collected baseball memorabilia and books. John was an excellent cook, his craft in the Army, and his culinary adventures led him to make up some crazy concoctions full of spicy cheesy goodness. Always up on the news, John followed current events. Politics was a passion. He was never one to pass up a spirited debate or conversation. Like a real storyteller, John had a way of explaining things in such crisp detail that one never lacked for understanding on the topic being discussed. Simply put, John was a man who loved to learn. He loved engaging his mind, loved to think, loved to theorize and postulate on life’s big questions. He was a true thinker, which was evident to all who had the pleasure to know him.
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 50 years, Jean Hughes Stofey, of the home; two daughters, Cheryl Lynn Otte and husband John of Chalfont, Pa., and Kristin Leigh Jasper of Oak Ridge, Tenn.; three grandchildren, Kaitlyn Michelle Jasper, Natalie Rose Jasper and Johnathan Michael Jasper; and two cousins, Joseph Lipinski and wife Charlotte of Croydon, Pa., and Jerry Sobolesky and wife Rosemary of Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
A graveside service to honor the life of John L. Stofey will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, May 31, at Happy Valley Memorial Park with Pastor Andrew Stuebs officiating. Military Honors will be accorded by the Carter County Honor Guard. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Those wishing to attend the service are asked to meet at Tetrick Funeral Home at 10:15 a.m. Friday to go in procession to the cemetery. The family would like to thank Angie Buchanan and Jeff McKinney for the love and support shown to John and also to the critical care teams at Johnson City Medical Center and Sycamore Shoals Hospital. Online condolences may be shared with the family on our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com
John and his family are in the care of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton. Office: (423) 542-2232. Service Information Line: (423) 543-4917.