John P. McGrew, 51, of Jeromesville passed away Saturday, March 4, 2017 at University Hospital Samaritan Medical Center.
John was born March 1, 1966 in Sistersville, West Virginia, to James Phillip McGrew and Sharon (Long) McGrew-Weekley.
John graduated from Tyler County High School in 1984, where he proudly led his high school football team to win the state championship.
John received his Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Naval Academy where he was recruited and played football from 1986 through 1988. He served in the United States Navy for 15 years as a U.S. Naval Aviator. Following his time in the military, John was employed with the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 565 as a pipe fitter and instrument tech.
Anyone who knew John would certainly remember his polite demeanor. His tall stature could be intimidating to some, however he was the most dignified and respectful person. He had a gentle quality, which allowed him the ability to work with anyone. He was especially good at working with kids and inspiring them to achieve their best. John was an intelligent man and always strived for perfection.
In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, golfing, and basketball. John also enjoyed woodworking, boating, and sports in general. He was an avid fan of West Virginia University sports and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
John is survived by his wife, Zoraida Lacey McGrew; three stepchildren, Phoebe Isaac, of Los Angeles, California, Mark Thomas Isaac Jr., of Denver, Colorado, and Ellen Isaac, of Lexington; his mother, Sharon McGrew-Weekley, of Waverly, West Virginia; his siblings, Phil (Kerry Collias) McGrew, of Landenberg, Pennsylvania, Mark (Mary) McGrew, of Altoona, Iowa, Keith Weekley, of Charleston, West Virginia, Melissa (Mike) Parsons, of Waverly, West Virginia, Christian Weekley, of Waverly, West Virginia; two brothers-in-law, Joseph Lacey, of Ontario and Richard (Mary) Lacey, of Lexington; and a sister-in-law, Michelle (Eddy) Snyder, of Ontario; a mother-in-law, Maria Lacey, of Ontario; numerous nieces and nephews; and his beloved pet cat, Pita.
John is preceded in death by his father, James P. McGrew; a father-in-law, Richard Lacey, and a nephew, Levi Lacey.
A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2017 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Life Celebration Reception Center, 129 S. Main St. Mansfield. The Wappner Cremation Center is honored to serve the McGrew Family.
Words of comfort may be expressed at www.wappner.com.
