John James States

John James States was born on October 11, 1961 and passed away suddenly on February 22, 2026.

John was proceeded in death by his parents George and Ruth (Grubbs) States, his brother George Jr. States and his uncle Larry States.

John is survived by his wife of 32 years, Jennifer and five children. Dawn (Derick) Partello; Johnathon (Samantha) States; Raven (Erik) Whitt; Zackary (Kaitlyn) States and Jake (Leah) States. John is also survived by a sister Mary Jarvis and his beloved cousin and best friend John (Lena) Grubbs. John is also survived by TEN grandchildren who were all the light of his life. Johnathon, Gianna, Tessa, Briella, Brayden, Atticus, Taylor, Emma, Charleigh and Carter. John was also so excited for baby Riley expected in the fall.

John was recently retired and enjoying spending time with his grandchildren and traveling with his wife. They had recently made multiple trips to the beach to enjoy all the sunsets and all the sunrises together.

John’s passion in life was his family. He was enormously proud of his huge family and took pride in each and every one of his children and loved who they had become as adults. When we gathered the entire family together John would just beam with happiness.

However John’s favorite role in life was pawpaw. Watching his children become parents and holding their babies made him so happy. At family gatherings you would typically find him playing with a grandbaby.

John’s second biggest passion in life was music. He taught himself to play a guitar at a young age and was a member of multiple bands over his life and enjoyed jamming with each and every person. Most recently he played bass with “Back at It” and looked forward to practices and frequent gigs at bars. He especially relished playing music with his son in law Erik and the special relationship they had.

If Johnny knew you, you were his friend. If you were close to him, you were his family.

Johnny’s legacy will be his easy going nature, his quick and infectious laugh, his goofy jokes and his deep and abiding love for his wife and family.

"And in the end

The love you take

Is equal to the love you make."

To leave a favorite memory of John, or to leave a special message for his family, please visit the guest book below.