John R. McCormick

John R. McCormick of Bethesda, Ohio, died Tuesday, October 27th at home.

Born on January 9, 1954, John grew up in Bethesda, a blonde haired boy with sparkling eyes and an ornery smile. Even in his youth he could do anything he set his mind to.

He worked several jobs, as a mine electrician, and many jobs for Shell, Mitsubishi and Otis. He was a bright and gifted man with an engineers mind.

Driven by ambition, he changed paths. He became proficient at hammering saw blades. The “sawman” soon started his business McCormick & Sons. He built sawmill and handling equipment that was used all over the world. John is regarded as one of the foremost experts in the sawmill industry. He helped every customer with their mill whether day or night. Many of whom are now his life-long friends.

The business took him to the far reaches of the earth. Such as the Pacific Rim, Singapore, Europe, the Americas, Papau New Guinea, and so many more destinations in between. He long boated in the Amazon and swam in Lake Baikal Siberia. He particularly enjoyed Ketchikan, Alaska and New Orleans. He developed many friendships. He was a worldly and elegant man.

He had a passion for hot rods. At 19 years old, his '55 post Chevy was in Hot Rod magazine. He preferred '32 and '34 Fords; all steel, chopped and dropped. He enjoyed car shows on the weekends with all his good buddies.

John dearly loved his family and appreciated them greatly. He helped so many and never asked for anything in return. He was a kind and generous man.

He often spoke of his wife Anita, the love of his life. How he wished they would have met when they were young. What a time they would have had! He was so very devoted to her. She held his heart.

John will walk in the light with his dad, Uncle Mick, and Anitas mom, all of whom he so dearly missed.
He would tell us all to “work hard, live everyday like it’s your last, and love someone forever and ever.”

He was a good good man. “Men like John are few and far between.”

We will celebrate Johns remarkable life when the world gets better from COVID-19.

Please donate to the Genesis Cancer Center, 2951 Maple Avenue, Zanesville, Ohio 43701 in his memory. Online condolences at www.CampbellPlumlyMilburnFuneralHome.com. John's care has been entrusted to Campbell-Plumly-Milburn Funeral Home, 319 North Chestnut Street, Barnesville, Ohio 43713.

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