John’s life began June 9, 1950, in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He spent most of his childhood growing up in Sodus until the age of sixteen when he moved to Alaska until graduation. Upon graduating high school he returned to the Benton Harbor area and enlisted with the United States Navy. John proudly served for four years on the USS Saratoga. While home on leave John met Susan Sullivan and in 1972 they married, they enjoyed 53 years together. After the service John became a Journeyman Electrician. In his spare time John enjoyed gardening, working on cars, he was a hot rod enthusiast, trains and collecting guns. He was a proud member of the NRA. John was an even prouder father, grandfather and great grandfather.
John’s greatest joy was spending time with his family which includes: his wife Susan; four children Nicole (Ron) Hess, John Michael Erin Ott, Kristine (Curtis) Whitaker, and William (Twila) Ott; 11 grandchildren Joshua, Jacob, Jonah, Jorge, Devin, Dylan, Gracie, CJ, Shawn, Jaylee, Destiny, and Jasper; two great grandchildren Presley and Leeym; a brother Joseph Ott; four sisters Nanette Patrick, Kathrine (Andy) Reneau, Annette (Jeremy) Hopkins, and Karen (Gerald)Brewer; and many nieces and nephews.
John died Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family. He is preceded in death by a granddaughter Alyssa, two brothers Jim Ott and Jay Ott, a sister Carolyn Clark, and his parents Jack and Melissa (Scott) Ott.
Friends may visit with John’s family Monday, May 5, 2025 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet where funeral services will be celebrated Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 11:00 AM. In honor of John’s love for hot rods, his family encourages you to drive your hot rod to John’s visitation and funeral. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens in Hagar Shores. In lieu of flowers you may plant a tree or make a donation to Fisher House in John’s memory. You are invited to leave a message of comfort for John’s family at hutchinsfuneral.com
Services
VISITATION
Monday
May 5, 2025
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Hutchins Funeral Home
209 South Main Street ~ PO Box 103
Watervliet, MI 49098
FUNERAL SERVICE
Tuesday
May 6, 2025
11:00 AM
Hutchins Funeral Home
209 South Main Street ~ PO Box 103
Watervliet, MI 49098
Donations
Fisher House Michigan
PO Box 130466, Ann Arbor MI 48113
Tel: 1-313-483-6543
Web: http://fisherhousemichigan.org
Posted On: Thursday, May 1, 2025 2:19 PM
