Johnnie Lee Stanfill, (1936 - 2020) - ForeverMissed.com Online Memorials

A one-of-a-kind maverick with a twinkle in his eye who loved, laughed and touched us all. He will never be forgotten.

Johnnie (John) Lee Stanfill, of Fresno, CA, passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2020 at the age of 83. Born in Mineral Wells, Texas, John moved to Fresno, CA as a teenager. He is remembered for his generosity, sense of humor, and strong love of country, family and service. As evidenced by the outpouring of messages, photos and videos here, he was greatly loved, admired and adored by his family and friends. He was affectionately referred to as "Santa" because of his uncanny resemblance to St. Nick and that magical twinkle in his eye.

He is survived by his loving wife Janice Stewart Stanfill; four children Stewart St John of Orange County, Jennifer Bower of Clovis, Anjanette Gray of Las Vegas and Will Stanfill of Clovis; as well as grandchildren Sydney, Brianna, Baron, Beau, Sterling, Olivia and Jordan; great grandchildren Boston, Jersey, Mehkya, Rylee, Royce and Ava; Sisters-in-law Sue Stewart Robertson of Fresno and Sandie Stewart Nowell of Oregon; nieces and nephews including Sandie Moody, Tina Robertson, John McCormick, Donald Nowell, Earl Nowell and many more. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

John was a military veteran having served in the Marines. He was a charming maverick and master of the one-line zingers and beloved by family, friends and co-workers. He worked in construction for Floydd Johnston Construction for over 50 years. With his rugged good looks and natural acting talent he occasionally appeared in his son’s television, digital programs and audio series. His last performance was a voiceover role as Grandpa Jack Callahan in the #1 Apple Kids podcast Tara Tremendous: The Secret Diaries.

A private celebration of John’s life will be held at a date still to be determined.

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March 29, 2022

Posting this for MOM who wanted to share today:

Two years ago my very best friend who I loved with all my heart left this worldly plane. It seems like time had stopped.

I miss him every day, every minute, but in my memories he is still there, and in my dreams we still do so many fun things together that it feels like he’s never gone. In one of the first dreams it was so real because he actually knocked on my bedroom door, came in and told me he had to get ready for work. I kind of laughed and said I don’t think you can go to work and will be in big trouble because I already cashed your money and we both laughed and then after visiting for a while, just sitting there being normal, he said he had to go and I said “I just love it when you’re visiting me…”

He then said “I don’t think you’ve got this quite right. You’re the one visiting me!”

I remember thinking that was just so strange, but coming from his perspective I guess maybe he's right. I guess that’s why I love to dream so much, because when I do I’m with you, John — and so the dream world has become a real world where it's me and you together.

I know one day we will be in the same world again — both dreaming each other — eternally together laughing and loving each other just as we did here.

Today of all days I am thinking and dreaming of you.

I love and miss you John, and thank you for every single thing you ever did for me.

-- Jan

March 28, 2021

As some of you know I’ve had a few encounters with dad since he passed. Well, last night I had a very intense dream in which mom was visiting me and lying asleep next to me in my bed after a day of shopping. It was late and I was sitting up in my bed on my laptop when Dad suddenly entered. He was a bit “out of place”, and looked slightly confused and he said:

“Jan? Jan? You there?”

I replied “Hey Dad, yeah, Mom’s right here next to me. She’s asleep.”

He then smiled and felt at ease and said “ah. Okay. Good. Love ya, kid.”

And then he just stood there next to my bed for a moment until I woke up from my dream

That was about 5am this morning. Unable to go back to sleep right away I grabbed my iPad and noticed I had an email from Forever Missed —- the memorial I created for Dad. It said — today is the 1 year anniversary of John Stanfill’s passing . Leave a mew memory if you’d like.

Needless to say. I was a bit stunned. Yep. Dad had visited me in my dream. He was with me. It was truly a visitation dream -- and I finally fell asleep knowing he was still there and always is for his family! ❤️❤️❤️

March 28, 2021

I cannot believe it’s been a whole year since you have been gone. I think of you so often.. so many little things remind me of you . I miss your laugh, I miss your stories, I miss you ! What I would give to have one more hug or kiss from you ❤️ I take comfort in knowing I will see you again.. I love you dad!! Keep watching over us

April 16, 2020

Reciting this will always be one of my fondest memories of you Sweet Johnnie. Earl and I were just talking about you this morning and he asked me about the name of the poem that you always recited. As we talked about it I could picture you and hear your voice reciting it my memory. All the kids always wanted to hear you do it. We all love you and are missing you so much ❤️❤️❤️

The Touch of the Masters Hand

Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer
thought it scarcely worth his while to waste much time on the old violin,
but held it up with a smile; "What am I bidden, good folks," he cried,
"Who'll start the bidding for me?" "A dollar, a dollar"; then two!" "Only
two? Two dollars, and who'll make it three? Three dollars, once; three
dollars twice; going for three.." But no, from the room, far back, a
gray-haired man came forward and picked up the bow; Then, wiping the dust
from the old violin, and tightening the loose strings, he played a melody
pure and sweet as caroling angel sings.

The music ceased, and the auctioneer, with a voice that was quiet and low,
said; "What am I bid for the old violin?" And he held it up with the bow.
A thousand dollars, and who'll make it two? Two thousand! And who'll make
it three? Three thousand, once, three thousand, twice, and going and
gone," said he. The people cheered, but some of them cried, "We do not
quite understnad what changed its worth." Swift came the reply: "The touch
of a master's hand."

And many a man with life out of tune, and battered and scarred with sin,
Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd, much like the old violin, A
"mess of pottage," a glass of wine; a game - and he travels on. "He is
going" once, and "going twice, He's going and almost gone." But the Master
comes, and the foolish crowd never can quite understand the worth of a soul
and the change that's wrought by the touch of the Master's hand.

Myra 'Brooks' Welch

April 15, 2020

I miss you so much right now ❤️Today is our 43rd anniversary Our wedding was the day after my birthday You wanted to wait till I was 30 so you wouldn’t be robbing the cradle
Of course we had been together longer than that....Will was a 4month old watching us tie the knot.
After the ceremony a friend took Will and a grandparent took other kids and there was a big party. We were to leave the next morning for a few days when we woke up we just looked at each other started laughing and zoomed over to pick Will up. The day after that we had the other three kids come home. I’m sure everyone thought those were my plans . like a lot of things in last 43years I’ve been credited for some of your ideas!
I wish you were here right now to give me some kind of plan or idea how I’m going to make it without you❤️

April 9, 2020

Our deepest condolences to his family. Grandpa will always be in our hearts. We firmly believe we will see each other again. We will always remember Grandpa for his hard work ethic. Will always remember his great stories and his great advice. We had the privileges of working together for many years. God gave him a beautiful gift to always bring up our spirits and fill our hearts with joy. You're gone from this world but you are alive with GOD.

April 5, 2020

Johnny was an awesome man! Hardest working man I know. I was blessed to work with him for over 15 years! He was always the first guy on the job site....didn’t wait for help...he would figure it out. My wife and 2 daughters would see him shopping at vons. They nicked named him Santa. Loved his stories and his rich life. He will definitely be missed in my and my family’s heart. Floyd Johnston Construction will miss “Dr. Dirt”. What a great man!

April 5, 2020

John was a wonderful man who was strong and loving. He taught me what was really important in life, hard work, family, and friends. He loved coming to work every morning, and his joyful attitude was infectious. He taught me how to laugh at my mistakes and imperfections, and how to feel good about myself. He could get you to laugh at yourself and get everyone else to laugh along to. Dr. Dirt will be missed by everyone who new him. He will not be forgotten.

March 30, 2020

Uncle John how you will be missed. You were such a blessing to all of us. I will always remember your marine stories, you serenading us kids as you drove us back and forth to and from our cousin sleepovers , money scrambles, and most of all how you spoke of the love of your life, Jan. You added so much to my life and our family and can’t imagine us without you. Love you always ❤️

March 30, 2020

I miss you already. So many memories have been flooding my mind and the fact there will be no more is breaking my heart.
Every thing you ever did was for me.from the day we met . most know that story❤️ you loved me you were the craziest romantic Marine laughter maker and self made entertainer you worked hard to catch me but you did our secret love affair finally went public
Everyone we knew as friends told us this marriage won’t last a year but this April would have been 43 years
although Three little children came along with the deal not once did I ever hear the word Step You had an instant family at 40 and we added one more Look what you ended up with. A wife two sons two daughters seven grandkids and five great grandkids who all love you
For all of us you worked harder than any person I have ever known I love you so much and will miss everything even our funny tiffs What I’ll miss everyday is the sound of your voice singing love songs to me and the constant whistling let me know you were around I don’t like this quietness. !my heart just shatters when I think about last week and the pain you were in .
The room was so quiet you grabbed my hand and said to me “well hell I don’t want to die . I’m not scared about it ...squeezing my hand he said ....I just don’t want to leave you ❤️♥️

March 30, 2020

Dad
Always there. You were always there for me, for us, for everyone. You were truly the " Rock" for our family. From the press on nails and money scrambles as kids to the groceries left on my door step in times of need as I was older you were always there for me. I loved the way you used to say " jenny girl" and the way your beard used to tickle my face with all your kisses. I loved hearing you whistle all the time or the way you used to sit outside and listen to your oldies. I laugh now thinking about the bbq days and the way all the guys would love hanging around you and as soon as you saw me walking up to the group you would sing" here she comes to wreck the day" ..I now sing this to my grandson haha with the exception of he instead of she. You were a wonderful grandpa, always there for the kids and rooting them on at any sporting event they were at. Alot of the stuff they were able to do was because of you and I will be forever grateful for that. You were funny, generous, kind hearted and always had a twinkle in your eye. Thank you for always letting us feel safe and know that we always had someone to turn to no matter the situation. I hope you know how much you were truly loved and appreciated by so many people.
My heart is broken and my spirit crushed, the only thing that brings me peace is knowing you are with our Lord in a better place.

Until we meet again,
Your daughter jenny girl❤

March 29, 2020

Words cannot express how much I loved and adored this man. He loved my sister with such a passion and his love never wavered over all these years. He was so good to his kids and was always there for them. Fast Johnnie was an icon in our family. He was my brother without the “in-law. I will miss him so much. He always welcomed me in his home like I belonged there and encouraged my close relationship with Jan. He loved my kids and they loved him with a passion. He always made me laugh. As I sit here with a heavy heart fond and funny memories flow through my mind. He and Jan and Donnie and I had so many hilarious adventures together. Oh and the stories we have. The money scrambles, the frozen turkey, shadow boxing his reflection, the broken Star Wars plate, the plants Jan and I bleached, the crop circles on his lawn....these are only the tip of the iceberg. I could go on forever about the wonderful and funny moments that this man brought into our lives. And then there was his awesome laugh...especially when he was laughing at his own jokes. I will miss you so much Johnnie. You are a legend in this family and will never be forgotten. Walk with God my sweet brother. I love you so much.

March 29, 2020

I am truly sorry for your loss. He was such a loving and caring man. He welcomed me with open arms whenever I would come to town to visit. I loved to sit and talk with him and appreciated how he would always tell it like it was. I will be thinking of you all and keep you all in my prayers. With much love, Tonya

March 29, 2020

Anj I'm truly sorry for you and your family's loss.
May he truly rest in heavenly peace ❤
~ Tina Sinsay

March 28, 2020

My dad had a way of always making me feel safe and protected no matter what. We had an undeniable special bond. When he loved you, his love was strong and unconditional. To say he was the life of the party as we were growing up is an understatement. Everything he did, he did for us, his family. Thank God the sound if his boisterous laugh keeps filling my mind and helping me cope with this hollow feeling inside.
Dad, you probably have no idea how much you will be missed, I am so lucky that I have a lifetime of beautiful and fun memories with you. I know you will watch over me, just as you always have. You will forever be in my heart and mind.
~Anji

March 28, 2020

Dad passed away today at 2:14am at his home in Fresno. I am still processing the loss of this great man, and will probably be doing so for quite some time. He was a spitfire, say-it-like-it-is guy who embraced everyone and anyone, would give you the shirt (and beer) off his back, and loved his family with all his heart. He gave and gave and gave and gave to us all. I am so very sad today, more than words can express, and am thankful that he was in my life and gave me so many wonderful, funny, outrageous and timeless memories. I love you, Dad. And I will never forget you. Please feel free to leave a comment, tribute or whatever you'd like to share below.

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Dad. San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery.

Bad ass , he gave me this like 10 years ago so I blew it up and had him sign it . My hero classic.

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Daddy

December 24, 2020

Happy Birthday daddy!! Today would have been your 84th birthday. I love you and miss you more than you could imagine! Wish I could feel your hugs and your kisses one more time. It’s just not the same around here without you .. you are everywhere but nowhere . Jealous that the angels get to hear your whistling and we don’t.. Well I hope you celebrate big today up there ❤️❤️❤️

"Jack"

April 2, 2020

John and I played battling spouses and at-odds characters in several of Stewart's projects since we first met in 1994. John was always a delight to work with. He was down-to-earth, funny, patient and a gentleman. He had a natural, no non-sense approach to acting--much like Spencer Tracy-- "Hit your marks and tell the truth!" I hadn't seen him in quite some time when we were, again, cast as adversaries on a recent project. We picked up right where we had left off as though no time had passed. As we were saying good-bye at the end of the recording session, John said "See you at the party! " He left before I could ask WHAT party. Not long after I received word of his having left us.
I'm running a little behind, John, but, yes, I'll see you at the party...

Grandpa John, my Rock

March 29, 2020

Grandpa, words can express the pain I feel now that you have left this world and no longer present in my life. You were always the one I can run to for absolutely anything, whether it be family matters, or just someone to talk to. You were the strongest man I knew physically and emotionally holding up this entire family, not stopping a day of work until your body stopped you. But you never stopped pushing even then. I will forever miss waking up to your late night morning whistles through the halls & kitchen as you talk sweet talk to the dogs & cats, saying to me “ Well good morning little girl,” you waking me up to go have biscuits & gravy with you at Perkos down the street (we had the best conversations), & Starbucks coffees already bought for me & gma rested on the kitchen counter for when we woke. Let’s not forget the fun car rides to school as you tolerated/talked crap to our trashy music lol, & sitting on the sidelines in your cute little chair supporting me at my softball games when no one else could, and as a baby feeding me grapes as we both finished them all by the end of the grocery trip. I will forever miss you being Santa Claus every year, as well as the secret dollar coins & money prizes you’de make us all go crazy for on Easter egg hunts. I will forever cherish your warm giving heart and soul, great concern for others, funny jokes, sweet cheek kisses, and that amazing laugh. And I always considered us soup soul mates due to our love for some good warm soup. Grandpa, you never denied me when I needed you most, giving me a place I can also call home. I am so blessed that your great grandkids got a chance to meet you and spend the amount of time they did with you. From Boston getting to know you calling you grandpa to bringing Jersey home to you as a newborn until now. They will never forget your bright loving face as I will make sure of it. You will be truly missed & will always be my #1 grandpa and I’ll forever be your little girl as you say it. May you rest in paradise with our Father, who I know is already enjoying your presence. I love & miss you more than words can express grandpa...until we meet again,
Your Little Girl

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