Saturday, May 18, 2024.
Beloved husband of Niki Ferris (nee Stratos); loving father of William “Billy” Ferris, Michael Ferris and Christopher Ferris; adoring son of the late Harold and Theodora Ferris; cherished brother of George (the late Patricia) Ferris and the late Stephen (surviving Gia) Ferris; dear son-in-law of Vasiliki and the late Vasilios Stratos; dear brother-in-law of Nick (Heather) Stratos and Penny (Mark) Aegerter. Our dearest uncle, cousin and friend to many.
John was born, raised, and lived his entire adult life in Crestwood, Missouri. He was a graduate of Lindbergh High School in the Class of 1978. John was a very proud Mizzou alum and rooted them on throughout his life. He married the love of his life, Niki, in 1985. They would have shared their 39th Wedding Anniversary on May 26th, 2024. He was a Union Carpenter up until 2022. John had a natural love for all sports, which he passed down to his sons. Baseball was his favorite sport growing up. According to many of John’s friends, he was an excellent 2nd baseman. After “retiring” from his athletic career, he devoted his time to his family. When he was not working, he loved being at all his sons’ soccer/baseball games and golf tournaments. In his free time, John really enjoyed the company of his family, friends, neighbors, and dog (Lexie). He could always be seen working out in his yard and socializing with all the neighbors. Overall, John was a good, humble man. He will be missed by all those who were fortunate to meet him.
Visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel 10151 Gravois Rd. 63123 on Friday, May 24 from 4-8 pm. with Trisagion Service at 7:00 pm. with Funeral Service at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church (4967 Forest Park Ave. 63108) on Saturday, May 25 at 9:00 am. Interment at St. Matthew Cemetery. Contributions to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church or Assumption Greek Orthodox Church appreciated.
We are deeply saddened at the loss of John, our old friend and neighbor. Our hearts and minds are now on the Ferris brothers and Niki in hopes that you all can eventually find hope and peace after such a heartbreaking loss.
Our love,
Madeline, Joe, Tommy, Chris and Matt Gal
Niki – so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family! Doug & Kim Milford
Niki,
Mike and I are so very sorry for your loss! You, Billy, Michael, and Christopher are in all our prayers! Praying for eventual peace for John’s entire family and his many, many friends.
Mike and Diane Hyde
John was a dear friend in high school and one of the most genuine people ever. I haven’t seen him in many years but thought often of him and our fun times together in high school. Sending loving and healing thoughts to Niki and sons at the death of such a beautiful, caring husband and father. His presence and warmth will be missed by so many.
Niki and boys – John was a gold medalist in every aspect of life – hands down – the best.
Dear Niki- Please accept our sincerest condolences on John’s passing. He, you and your boys have been in our thoughts and prayers daily. May God grant you peace in this difficult time. John will be greatly missed!
Bob “Red” & Nancy Williams
Dear Niki, the entire Zickel family mourns the loss of a great man. I have never met a more kind, loving person . He will be missed by all that knew him.
Prayers to you and your family in this most difficult time. Your love for John was engaging.
Take care and love you all!!!
Very sad to hear about John. John spent a large amount of time with my brother (Rick) and myself, growing up. We were neighbors and great friends. Almost every day for many years we played whiffle ball or a lot of street hockey, depending on the season. He also joined our family on a camping trip and visited a summer camp numerous times, that my father ran. Almost every day we were doing something.
About a year ago, Rick and I reached out to John and we spoke for a long time. He sounded the same as he always had. John possessed great “people skills” and was liked by everyone.
I am saddened not to get together again with John, as he was someone that experienced a lot of the happy times in my life with me..
Best regards and condolences to all his family and friends.
Was very sad to hear about John. He was a great friend and neighbor of my brother (Rick) and myself. We spent hours and hours, together for many years growing up. We were doing something together almost every day including every sport. We spent an incredible amount of time playing whiffle ball and street hockey, depending on the season. John also went on a camping trip with our family and visited a summer camp with us, that my father ran, numerous times. I lost track of John after college. Rick and I reached out to John about a year ago, and caught up on things for quite awhile. John always possessed strong “people skills”, was well liked, and was a genuinely down to earth person and friend.
We are saddened that we weren’t able to get together again, as some of our best memories are from that time period with John.
We wish the best regards and condolences to all of John’s family and friends..
Nikki and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. John was a good man, hard worker, and most of the time he had a smile on his face.
You know every time I step out on my front porch I will think of John. He installed some ceramic tile with a nice inlay on the porch. He actually designed it himself.
Also I still remember having dinner at your restaurant and John was teaching a busboy how to set up the table correctly. He was really good with that upping man.
Anyway prayers for you and the family! I’m sorry I will not be able to make it to the funeral.
Love you all.
Bob and Sally Huesgen.
I remember John visiting my father’s wake in 1985. He was a young man, and it was so noticeable to me that he would be all the way in North County. Plus, he was of a younger generation. We were related through Peter and Penny Anagnos (Penny was his aunt on his mom, Theo’s side; she was my aunt from my dad, John’s side, thru marriage to his brother Peter. We called each other Cousins. He was so handsome and definitely compassionate. Months later I attended the luxurious wedding of John and Niki. My sympathies go out to the Ferris and Stratos Families. They always remain in my heart.
Niki this is Melissa Vanderpol I worked at Pierre’s salon at West County Mall with you and Penny years ago but I’ve never ever forgotten your wonderful family. I am so sorry to hear about your husband. I just wanted you to know that you and your family will be in my continual prayers. You’re such a wonderful family. I’m so sorry.
John was the first person to greet me, a pledge, on my first day at the Kappa Sigma fraternity. He was so welcoming and helped me bring all my stuff in from my car. I’ll never forget his kindness and helpfulness. He was a great friend and Brother.
I was just notified by a fellow Lindbergh grad and mutual friend of John’s of his passing. I played baseball with John and he was an excellent athlete and shortstop. Always smiling and simply having a good time. John was great to be around and he is part of so many good memories from the past. Last I saw him after graduation at Lindbergh was on the Mizzou campus.
I did not keep in touch after college years but reminisced many times about the “early” years and John always came to mind.
This is a sad time and not knowing his family….but knowing John, I know how special you all are and were blessed to have had so many years together.
My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Zane Yates
George,
My deepest sympathies.
Supportive thoughts and prayers for you and the whole family.
Bless John’s family and friends with great memories.