John “JP†Michael Pasley, 52, passed away on Tuesday, September 17, 2019.
Born in Plymouth, Indiana on November 20, 1966, John was the son of Janice (Ellinger) and Larry Fisher and John L. and Debbie Pasley. He graduated from Plymouth High School with the class of 1986 and continued on to attend Vincennes College where he received his associate’s degree in criminal justice. When JP loved, he did it with every cell in his body. His love for his three children, Tyler, Cody and Sabrina Pasley, was unbounding, and perhaps, only rivalled by his love for his grandson, Owen Michael Dee Pasley, whom he called “my boy blue.†He relished every chance to wear his goofy Papa shirt to show off his pride for his grandson and you had to practically pry the baby out of JP’s arms. JP and Susan Renee (Burgess) Pasley were married in a beautiful beachside ceremony in Key West, FL on October 5, 2011. They fell in love after meeting in the ER, Susan as a nurse and JP while performing his duties in emergency services. For the majority of his career, JP had the privilege of doing what he loved best: serving the people of his community. He was an officer with the Plymouth Police Department for 10 years and a firefighter with the Plymouth Fire Department for 15 years. Most recently JP served as the Supervisor of Security at Allied Universal to ensure the security and safety of the DePuy Plant in Warsaw. At JP’s core, he wanted to help everyone. He would stop to help anyone in need and in his chosen careers he was able to impact so many people’s lives in a positive way. After a traumatic incident involving children while on the fire department, JP was compelled to do even more for the kids of Indiana. In 2012, he started the Riley Gear Run to support Riley Children’s Hospital. He and several fellow firefighters, EMTs and friends ran the Blueberry Stomp 15K in full fire gear to raise money in addition to putting boots for donation in the community and along the parade route. In total, JP’s Riley Gear Run raised approximately $40,000 “For The Kids†over 4 years in support of Riley’s Magic Cart and palliative care programs. This was one of the proudest accomplishments in his life. JP found his passion as well as peace and solitude in the great outdoors where he would spend hours communing with nature, thinking and appreciating God’s beauty. Although JP was game (pun intended) to fish and hunt turkey and other birds, his true love was deer hunting. It was not just about the hunt for him. He was a fervent believer in protecting and preserving the species and he sought to hunt the deer that had grown, matured and lived a long life. He enjoyed watching the herd, tending his food plot and preparing for the hunting season which starts in 10 days. JP was always considered the life of the party, and he enjoyed hanging out with friends and family. He was a huge Notre Dame Football Fan. He loved to get in a round of golf. He loved to bowl and did on a league for many years. JP loved music, especially disco and movies, even the really bad ones. He was a resident cake baker, and always made the birthday cakes for his family. He attended Crossroads Church in Plymouth, and enjoyed the love and support of his church community.
JP is survived by his wife, Susan Pasley; son, Tyler (Chelsie Vetterly) Pasley; son, Cody Pasley; daughter, Sabrina Pasley; grandson, Owen Michael Dee Pasley; his mother and father, Janice and Larry Fisher; his father and mother, John L. and Debbie Pasley; brother, Joel and Angie Fisher; step-daughters: Sophia Smith, Kathryn Smith and Olivia Smith; nieces: Caitlyn, Callie and Charlie Schwichtenberg; and nephews, Jacob and Tucker Fisher.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Crystal (Pasley) Schwichtenberg.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the John Michael Pasley Memorial Fund, which will be set up through First Source Bank. The fund will be used to support the mental health of area law enforcement officers. “You showed me what true love really is and you made me a better me†Love, Susan
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 24, 2019 from 4-8 p.m. at the Plymouth Wesleyan Church, 11204 Michigan Street, Plymouth.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 25, 2019 at 11 a.m. in the Plymouth Wesleyan Church with Pastor Scott Yoder officiating. Visitation will resume one hour prior in the church.
Burial will be in the New Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth.
Ed Barcus says
To the entire family of John Michael…
What a great sense of humor and huge personality John had. Throughout school and even after as a police officer I knew I could always count on JP to be there. A man known to be larger than life itself will be missed by those of us who are honored to call him our friend, brother and co-worker. Not only has the Pasley family lost someone very dear and special, the entire Plymouth community lost a man who sacrificed so much for not only those he called friends and family but for those he had never even met. I pray that all friends and family find comfort in the many wonderful memories we have of JP and know that he is now at peace.
Shandi Manuwal says
So sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers are with your family .
Jim Hartung says
Im so very sorry to hear about this. I always liked talking and laughing with Pas. I hadn’t seen him since i ran with him at the last blueberry stomp i was in. Im bummed that i am out of town on business on Wednesday but my thoughts and prayers will be with you all.
Suzanne Gibson says
WE THE MEMBERS OF VFW POST & AUXILIARY 1162
ARE SADDEN TO HEAR OF YOUR FAMILIES LOSS
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL
AT THIS TIME OF SORROW
MAY GOD’S HEALING HANDS TOUCH YOU ALL
GOD BLESS FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE PLYMOUTH COMMUNITY
SUZANNE GIBSON
VFW AUXILIARY 1162 CHAPLAIN
Janet Smith says
John and family,
My prayers are with you at this difficult time. Sorry I am in CO visiting daughter.
Love and support from PHS 1961
Diane C Kuskye says
To John’s family, I am so sorry for your loss. Your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. May John rest in peace.
Carolyn Mills-Utter says
So very sorry to hear of the passing of John, just want the family to know that Mike thought a lot of John, now they can visit in heaven. May he Rest In Peace, PRAYERS
Valerie Clarkson says
To J P’s family: I met JP for the first time in April. He helped me through important items when my husband was ill. My husband only worked under him for a short time. We respected JP he had great knowledge and ran a great department. He will be hard to replace. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Kim J Mancuso says
On behalf of the entire Allied Universal Security Services team I would like to pass our sincere condolences to the Pasley family. JP was not only a great leader, but a wonderful co-worker who will be missed by many. Our thoughts are with you at this time of tremendous sadness.
Patrick Tiffany says
Dearest Susan – I am positively heartbroken to hear the news about your sweet John’s untimely passing. Words feel so meaningless in times like these. Know simply that you are in my heart always and in my prayers for daily comfort and strength. God bless and keep you close, my friend.
Denise Long says
I was sadden to hear of the loss of JP. He was an awesome guy and I liked working with him. He will be greatly missed. May your family find comfort in the loving hands of Jesus. Lord watch over JP’s family and help them heal. In Jesus name we pray Amen.
Paula Kiel Garybush says
I’m so sorry to hear this. Even though I haven’t seen him for years, it sounds like he did some great things. You are all in my prayers.
Scott & Rebecca Mear says
Our thoughts are with all of you at this time of great sadness. We remember the stories, Joel would tell us about his brother. He was very proud of him. Jan would fill us in on whatever Joel may have left out lol. It was easy to tell what a loving family you all had. We are very sorry for your loss . In time the memory of your family times together will bring you a smile again. All our love, Becky & Scott
Fred funk says
Sorry for your loss. God bless your family. It happen to us also
Love kathy and Fred funk
Mike and Pat Kyser says
Our sincere condolences in the loss of your son.
We hold you in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike and Pat Kyser
Class of 1961
Cindy Stutzman says
My heart hurts for Johnny Mike and for all of the family. He was such a precious man and will never know how special he was. I always loved seeing him and it was not enough. He will be missed. RIP Johnny Mike. I’m sending hugs and prayers to the family. Love you always! Cindy
Margaret carroll says
We are so sorry for the loss of this wonderful man .if there is anything we can do to help ease your pain ,please don’t hesitate to let us know . Loved him also, The Carrolls….. Greg Sr. And Margaret.
Madeline Louise Johns says
I have tried to find the right words to say for the last few days. My sincere sympathy to all of you. For me, my world was a better place because John was in it. He gave me joy, laughter, and most importantly true friendship. I can hear him singing “Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone” while on duty at the PFD. He played many a trick on me, but all in good fun. May God hold JP is his loving hands. He (especially that smile) will be truly missed.
Susan Klein Brinton says
Dear Jan my love and heartfelt feelings are with you.John sounds like a remarkable person ,Son and friend to All
It’s been many years since I have seen you but my admiration of you is always there.
Hold John close in your memories he will be received in loving arms.
As your old classmate friend all my love . Susan(Klein) Brinton
Jennie Powers says
Joel, Jan and Larry and the Pasley family. Jack and I are so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in Gods love and your special memories of John Michael.
Jack and Jennie Powers
Plymouth, IN
Jerry and Vickie Wilder says
Dear Jan and family,
We are heartbroken to hear this news. He was one
of “our boys†through some difficult high school
times. Reading the obit and the wonderful things he
has accomplished does not surprise us.
God bless you all and we hope you find peace through
the love that surrounds you.
His memory lives on.
Jerry and Vickie Wilder
Donna Hann says
Jim and I are so sorry to hear of Johns passing.
Marc Eads says
I was lucky enough to have known John since we were 5 years old. I was also lucky enough to have called him a friend for 47 years.
I always saw John as one of those special people who had dedicated so much of his life to the community…a special calling in today’s world. He was a good cop, an exceptional fireman, and an angel on earth who chose to serve and protect. His passion to make things better for those who were victims cannot be denied. His years serving as a policeman and fireman pay tribute to this fact.
I remember playing baseball with him…and against him. I remember that cannon of an arm and the odd wind up that proceeded the whistling ball that would make me look silly standing in the batters box. I also remember that little smile and wink from him saying “I got ya that time†as I walked back to the dugout after he had struck me out. All in fun between two friends…the way it should be. Later in life I mentioned the rocket launcher Pas had for an arm to his brother Joel. Joel’s response was “He still has it!â€
My heart goes out to everyone I know who knew Pas…especially his family. He was a good dude who I always liked and admired. I always judge guys by whether or not I would want them in a foxhole with me. I’d take JP any day as a guy who would have your back when you needed him the most.
Godspeed my friend, you will be missed,
Eadsy
Coach Bill Nixon says
It was with great sorrow I learned of the passing of John. All baseball players from the years 1970 to 1999 have all been members of one big family. John was a member of that family. When one member of that family falls it effects all members. Please accept my condolences and those of hundreds of young men that are a member of that fraternity.
Rick Derf says
I too was saddened by the news of John’s passing. He was such a wonderful spirit and befriended Corky Lingle and me when we broadcast Big Red sports when he was in high school. He was so easy to get to know and always had that great smile that followed him his entire lifetime. He was a great servant of his Lord and had a heart that truly cared for others. He served his community with pride and his community was proud of him. He made a difference and touched many lives and it is difficult to say good-bye. Heaven is a richer place with him there.