Age 53, passed away on Thursday, July 17, 2025, while receiving treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. John was born in Kalamazoo, MI, on October 17, 1971, the son of John Sr. and Darlene (Ross) Hempel. John was a man who loved, laughed, and danced his way through life. His smile and sense of humor were infectious. John never met a stranger who didn’t become a friend. The life of the party, he could turn any moment into a memory. John took pride in staying fit, enjoyed working out, and was very athletic. When he was younger, he was involved in a minor league football team. He loved coaching the Vicksburg Lacrosse team and was a great role model for the boys. He worked hard to provide for those he loved, was a master mechanic, and owned and operated his own businesses. He believed in helping others, and his heart was always open to those in need. He was selfless with his time, always making it a point to be involved wherever he was needed. John also had a deep love for animals and cared for them with the same compassion he showed to everyone in his life. Above all, John loved his family, his friends, and his loyal companion Rudy Roo. He lived a life that was full, and he will be remembered by all who loved him. On August 4, 2014, he married the love of his life, Janelle Hempel, who survives him. He is also survived by a son, Michael (Amalia Pantoja) Kessler; lifelong friends, Rick (Meghan) Lovins, Michelle (Brian) Rosson; mother, Darlene Hempel; sister, April Hempel; niece August Jarzambek; mother-in-law, Margo Sitzes; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Michelle (Corey) Avra, Danielle Bunker, Kandy (Tim) Dennison; and many extended family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father, John Sr.