John Crawford Evering on February 4, 2024, of Runnemede. Age 85, passed peacefully at home beside his beloved wife. He is the "SON" of the late John and Catherine Walters. John is survived by his "bride" of 61 years and best friend Elizabeth (Betty Ann) (nee Walters). Devoted and extremely proud father of his daughters Lisa Jester and Melissa (Missy) Sheppard. John never thought of his sons in law as anything other than his own sons and loved the special friendship and bond he shared with both Rick Jester and Chris Sheppard. He is the cherished and beloved Pop Pop of Derrick, Brett, and Dean Jester. Special Godfather of Judy Luker (Teresa Baker). He loved animals and enjoyed the special days he got to spend with his fur grandbabies Charlie, Huck, and Honey.
John spent most of his working life in his own business painting and wallpaper hanging. He spent countless hours of his free time helping family and friends in their homes sharing his trade out of the pure goodness in his heart.
People were drawn to the goodness of "pop painter' The affectionate nickname so many of his daughters' friends gave to him over 40 years ago. These "kids" loved pop like their own and respected his wisdom and mentorship. He helped shape the lives of these kids and still maintained close relationships with them today. There were so many of these "kids" but special mention to his closest "kids" Tony Silvestre, Vince Valentine, and Adam Cohan. The impact he had on these people and so many others was far greater than his 5-foot 7 stature!
He lit up a room and was always the life of any party. His infectious belly laugh could be heard and identified through any crowd. The Highlight of every party included a circle of cheering people gathering around John and Betty Ann Jitterbugging to one of their favorite songs "Just a Gigolo." They were quite the dancers, and they took the opportunity to hit the floor any chance they got. During the latter years, John and Betty Ann spent a lot of fun times at the Casino and it became a happy place.
His enormous personality and positive cheerful outlook were adored by everyone that knew him. John would tell you he never had a bad day. He was "living the dream." He was a happy and content man that was so very proud of the life he built for his family. Material things were not important to John. He would say, "I have everything I need right here." He loved his home, and his family was everything to him. He was so thankful for every milestone event he could attend. He was so proud to see all three of his grandchildren graduate college.
John was an amazing sentimental man that never was afraid to show his emotion and his love for anyone or anything. He loved deeply and if John loved you, you knew it without question. He will be sorely missed, and the void created by his passing cannot be filled.
There will be a viewing from 9 am to 11 am Friday February 9, 2024, at Gardner Funeral Home, Runnemede. Funeral service 11 am at the funeral home. Interment New Saint Mary's Cemetery, Bellmawr.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's name to the Luke Silvestre Foundation, 1003 N Read Ave, Runnemede NJ 08078.
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Runnemede, NJ 08078
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Runnemede, NJ 08078
I was fortunate enough to have a great man invite me into the presence of this great man.
John made you feel like the most important person in the room as soon as you walked in. No matter the crowd.
He was someone that you always wish you spent more time with, no matter the time you got. However, a few minutes with John, was like spending a year of positivity with anyone else.
I always looked forward to stealing any moment I could get, just hear that laugh or talk about him. I would get the laugh, but the conversation ended up being about me. He never let it be about him.
He could make you feel like the most successful, good looking, well liked person... on your worst day. He did that for me once when I needed it, but he never knew.
When he gave an opinion, it was honest. When he gave a direction, you followed it... without even knowing you were! (I made a lot of $ on the Eagles one year because of that last one. Thanks Pop!)
He would gaze around the room at his family in awe. Complimenting each person without them knowing. Speaking about his soulmate with reckless abandon for any stereotype of what a man should say out.loud. He proved to you that true love does exist. He wasn't only not scared to tell you, he was damn proud. We should all be so smart.
To make it.a better world, it doesn't take money, power, or even intelligence. It takes heart. It takes a man like John Crawford Evering.
There are a lot of great men in this world. Only the best of us will get to be called "Pop" one day.
I appreciate the time I was given, the family you built, and the legacy that is far from over.
Rest easy Pop. You truly left this world better than you found it. Thank you.
~Angelo
Uncle John, where do I begin? When I think of you, only happy memories come to mind. From hanging with the big kids at multiple house parties, to weddings and running into you and Aunt Bet around town. You always loved me as one of your own.
So many great memories: some of the guys having fist fights on your front lawn. Waking up in your living room to the smell of cheesesteaks because someone made an early morning run to Philly. You dancing on your bar to FunkyTown. So much love and laughter through the years. Even when I needed stitches in my finger, you made that night memorable by showing up barefoot to drive Mom and me to the hospital.
I didn’t get as many heart to heart talks as an adult as I should have, but the last deep conversation we had will always stay with me.
Thank you to you and Aunt Bet for raising two strong, intelligent, beautiful women. They were great role models for me to grow up around and they taught me to never take shit off of anyone!
As they said in Sandlot, “Heroes get remembered but legends never die.” You are a true Legend, Uncle John. Rest in Peace and send us all signs in between your partying in the sky! Love, Beth Ann.
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