John N. Phares, Jr.
January 11, 1948 – June 5, 2026
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Julianna’s Restaurant, 2105 Lake St. Kalamazoo. John will be laid to rest at Mt. Ever Rest Memorial Park, South, in a private graveside service. Memorial Contributions may be made to Life Care Center of Plainwell in c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
John Norton Phares Jr. age 78 of Plainwell passed away Friday, June 5, 2026. John was born in Kalamazoo on January 11, 1948, the son of John Norton and Margaret Matilda (Nelson) Phares, Sr. John faced many challenges in life following a motorcycle accident in 1972. He lived in Las Vegas for many years. Through the assistance of a local realtor who had an interest in John’s journey, he was able to purchase a home in Kalamazoo. John was an outgoing guy and was able to make several friends with his interactions on the Kalamazoo Mall. Everyone knew him as “The Godfather.” John always had something funny to say and a good story to tell. During his last four years he was a resident at the Life Care Center of Plainwell, where he loved receiving visitors. He spent time with his children and family. He loved spending time at the casinos and drinking chocolate shakes. He also enjoyed family picnics at his sister Cindy’s home. John will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. John is survived by his children, Jennine (Brian) Barnes, Julie Phares, Shane (Alicia) DeWeese, Eric (Jessica) Phares; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; siblings, Lynda (Bob) Mills and Cindy (Tim) Callahan; several nieces and nephews; and many friends including his former wife, EmmaJean Phares. John was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dic Phares.
I remember EmmaJean! John used to stop in at the car lot I worked at back in the mid-70’s. He WAS “The Godfather”. Everyone else was a ‘goof’. 😉 He was fun and entertaining. Even 50 years later, unforgettable. I’ll say a prayer for his soul and the comfort of all who love and miss him.
I remember EmmaJean! John used to stop in at the car lot I worked at back in the mid-70’s. He WAS “The Godfather”. Everyone else was a ‘goof’. 😉 He was fun and entertaining. Even 50 years later, unforgettable. I’ll say a prayer for his soul and the comfort of all who love and miss him.