Prayers requested

A reliable longtime reader sent the following note, wanting to get the word out. Usually we would try to confirm such tips through a second source but time is of the essence with someone fighting for their life:

John, a flamboyant and funny waiter working evenings at Jak’s Grill and weekend brunch at Skylark Cafe & Club, was hospitalized yesterday evening after suffering a brain aneurysm. Friends say the prognosis is not good, and he could really use the prayers of his customers and friends right now.

Sarah May 9, 2007 (11:56 am)

John is such a great guy! I used to work at Cupcake Royale and he would come in all the time, always friendly and funny. I hope this isn’t true; if it is, I have him in my thoughts. He is loved by many people.

Meredith May 9, 2007 (12:06 pm)

I don’t know John, but I do know devistating an event like this can be. If he’s at Harborview, I can assure you he’s getting the best of care. If I can be of support to family on site there or answer any general questions, don’t hesitate to post a note here. M

seattlemarty May 9, 2007 (12:29 pm)

I’ve ‘known’ John from around WS for a few years now what sad, sad news.

Delivery Dude May 9, 2007 (12:44 pm)

ohmigosh. the VERY BEST guy around. extremely friendly and funny from his days at Easy Street Cafe. My heart has sunk just a little bit today.

Ms_F May 9, 2007 (1:08 pm)

I’m not sure, but by your description I’m fairly certain I know who John is. How many truly memorable servers are there at Jak’s? He made us laugh a lot last time we were there; practically sitting beside us to chat when taking our order. It’s ironic, because we don’t laugh a lot these days, since my husband is battling advanced stage brain cancer. I know something about the neurology staff at Harborview/UW (was just there with my husband last week!), and would like to offer my support in any way. I am sending out healing thoughts.

Todd May 9, 2007 (1:11 pm)

Thoughts and prayers to John, Ms F’s husband, and to Ms F.

dq May 9, 2007 (2:47 pm)

unfortunately, it is true. we were at Jak’s last night when they got the news. everyone was devasted and they closed the restaurant early.

Chris M May 9, 2007 (4:33 pm)

We’re keeping him in our prayers after getting the news from one of his close friends last night. He’s an incredible, charming person — I just can’t imagine that this has happened.

alkisw May 9, 2007 (6:09 pm)

yes, it is true. John actually passed away this afternoon. Keep his family and friends in your prayers and always remember what a wonderful man he was.

flipjack May 9, 2007 (5:36 pm)

That’s sad to hear. I was just talking to him at Jaks a week or so ago, he said he had quit drinking after 8 years of being drunk all the time (his words) and sounded like he was doing well for himself, funny and sarcastic as usual. We’ll send out some good vibes.

David May 9, 2007 (6:08 pm)

I’ve probably run into John during one of my many meals at Jaks. I can’t say I know him personally but I’m so sorry to hear this. I wish the best for him and his family.

Ms_F May 9, 2007 (6:45 pm)

How unbelievably sad. So much sorrow. Well, I can definitely say that he made a difference in people’s lives. (ps Thanks, Todd)

dianne May 9, 2007 (6:53 pm)

I am so sad to here this news. We used to work together at Jak’s. John and I had many a fun night singing it up karaoke style at that old chinese place in west seattle. The name escapes me right now. He was always so positive and or sarcastic, funny and very generous. We are going to miss you John!

Ari May 9, 2007 (8:16 pm)

Prayers and thought’s are with John and his family. I had lunch at Jak’s about three weeks ago when he was my waiter.

Sue May 9, 2007 (8:20 pm)

This is such terrible news. John has been our favorite West Seattle waiter for years, since back when he was at Easy Street. I know he made a lot of people’s days brighter with his wit & the way he would just sit down at your table to take your order always cracked me up. We will really miss him.

Does anybody know John’s last name?

alkisw May 9, 2007 (9:03 pm)

Hartley

Deliboy May 9, 2007 (11:26 pm)

Damn, he was a Junction institution in the making. My family always specifically requested him at Jak’s, he’s a great guy… RIP

Mark May 10, 2007 (9:35 am)

John will be missed. He was always such a positive and thoughtful person.

I have to share my favorite John story.
Our daughter was about 3 years old, and we
were having breakfast at Easy Street. This is
when they used to sell posters on the walls
of the restaurant. Our daughter drew a picture,
and John made a big deal about how nice it was,
put a $100 price tag on it and hung it on the
wall next to all the other for sale items.
Typical John…

My daughter was very upset with the news as we
all are. John will not be forgotten….

Delivery Dude May 10, 2007 (10:47 am)

Another funny story…he had this big belt buckle on that said ‘JOHN’ when he was at Easy Street. My wife and I asked him…if your name REALLY john? He replied “that’s what all my clients call me!”

Always the jokester.

Beth Davis May 11, 2007 (7:36 pm)

The last time I saw John he was a toddler! His mother was the best kindergarten teacher and then principal around. Reading the many comments about his wonderful sense of humor brings a smile because his mother is the funniest person I’ve ever met.

Our prayers are with Darlene, Bill, Merrit, Mimi and the entire family. God bless you all and comfort you in the loss too soon of your wonderful loved one, John. John, we know, is in Heaven entertaining the angels at the knee of his beloved granddad.

So sad…and so sorry.

Sorry, comment time is over.