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It is with tremendous sadness we announce the sudden passing of John Frederick White, in the late evening of February 20, 2025, surrounded by family, at Bluewater Health in Sarnia.
Father of Angela (Mark) and Jonathan (Alyson). Grandfather of Taylor, Serenity, Phynn and Stella. Stepfather of Kimberly (James) and the late Philip (Melanie) and a proud Papa to their many children and grandchildren. Survived by his siblings Elsie (the late Carl), Harold (aka Short), Marilyn (Ron), Betty (the late Paul) and the twins Wilson (aka Woody) and Nelson. He will be missed by many nieces and nephews and his personal pup companion, Spark (aka Taffy), who he spoiled beyond belief. Predeceased by his loving wife of 42 years, Jacquenlyn Sue (nee Reeves, of Texas), his parents, John and Ila, siblings Charlie and Shirley, and his stepson, Philip Colbourne.
After a year of remission from beating prostate cancer, the disease returned with a vengeance and spread rapidly, giving little notice. John wanted to fight it again and had recently started his presumed long fight by receiving radiation and starting chemotherapy. Unfortunately, his soul decided he needed to be with the love of his life and left the living to be with her.
Born in London, Ontario, John grew up in Harrietsville with his parents and eight siblings, where they attended a one-room schoolhouse, later moving to the Belmont area. He attended high school and entered into the workforce in London. In his mid-20s, he joined two of his sisters in Mississauga. This is where and when he met the love of his life, Jackie. John and Jackie planted their roots in Mississauga where they married and had two children together. Many years later, John, Jackie, and their family relocated to different parts of Sarnia-Lambton and Chatham-Kent counties, spending most of their time in Corunna. After Jacquenlyn's passing, John moved back to Sarnia from Chatham to be closer to his kids and grandkids.
John will be remembered by family and friends as being quiet, reserved, kind, and with a heart of gold. His funny and sarcastic sense of humour, and how he always had to be doing something and disliked sitting around. And no matter the time of day or distance, he was always willing to help his family, even if he tried to charge a quarter every time.
His siblings will remember him as the young boy who would bring home any size fish for mom to clean and cook, and how he loved to climb trees and enjoyed being active outdoors with his younger siblings.
He was loved by many and utterly adored by his grandchildren, whom he treasured spending time with every chance he got. His grandchildren were the light of his life and the smile on his face.
Most of all, John - or Jake, or Zeke, or Dad, or Homer, or Papa - will be missed beyond measure.
Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will commence at a later date to be determined. In lieu of flowers and to honour John, the family has asked that donations be made to Prostate Cancer Foundation Canada or to a local charity of your choice.