John R. Iams

John R. Iams, age 88, formerly of Montoursville, PA, passed away Tuesday, September 9, 2025 peacefully at his home. John was born on July 1, 1937 in Weirton, WV, a son of John E. and Mary E. Iams. From the beginning, he was shaped by the values of hard work, resilience, and family. He grew up in a time when community mattered, when friendships were built on handshakes, and when loyalty was something you lived out day by day. He answered the call to serve his country as a proud member of the United States Army. While in uniform, he didn’t just fulfill his duty; he found joy. He played basketball with his fellow soldiers, proving that even in the seriousness of service, there was room for laughter, competition, and camaraderie. Those who knew him could tell you — John was always ready for a game, always ready for a challenge. After his time in the Army, John built a career as a salesman. He had that rare ability to connect with people — not just to make a deal, but to make a person feel seen and respected. Behind every sale, there was a handshake, a story shared, and a relationship formed. That’s the kind of man he was: someone who valued people above all else. But beyond work and service, John found joy in life’s greatest pastimes. He loved the calm patience of fishing, the precision of golf, and the friendly rivalry of a pool game. These weren’t just hobbies; they were reflections of who he was — a man who knew when to take his time, when to focus, and when to simply enjoy the company around him.

John is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Warnecke of Montoursville, PA; grandchildren, Phillip, Luke, Abby, Kelly, and John Brandon; great grandchildren, Audra, August, and Arwen Grace; and sister, Stephanie King of OH. He was preceded in death by his parents, son, John Robert Iams in 2014, brother, Gilbert “Gibbie” Iams, and sister, Pam.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 1 p.m. at Kingdom of Life Ministries 129 Park Ave. Lock Haven, PA with Pastor Joyce Bucknor officiating. Buckheit Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., 637 South Main Street, Mansfield, PA is assisting the family. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com.