John Almond Sheridan Sr., 86, long time resident of Leelanau County, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2024, with his loving family by his side at Maple Valley Nursing Home.

He was born on September 5, 1937, in Glen Arbor, Michigan, to the late Louis Lyle and Mary Estelle (Bloswick) Sheridan. John married Suzanne J. Edwards on September 17, 1955 in Traverse City, Michigan. Together they had three wonderful children, Jean, Janet and John Jr. He later married Ruth A. Eichstadt on October 5, 1974, in Glen Arbor, Michigan.

John dedicated 30 years of his life working as a lineman, installer and cable splicer for Michigan Bell. After retiring, he pursued a new passion in real estate and construction, flipping homes. He obtained his licenses in both fields and found immense joy in this work.

A true collector at heart, John was known as a great picker, never missing an auction or garage sale. His family often joked about his “garage sale radar” and his love for discovering people’s treasures. John also enjoyed visiting casinos, particularly playing the fishing machine. And let’s not forget his love of lottery scratch offs! Throughout his life, John had a deep affection for dogs and bird-watching. He also loved fishing, woodworking, reading, math, and in his later years had been an active member of the Railroad Historical Society of Northwest Michigan. He enjoyed walking in the woods and looking for interesting trees. He found five locations of Indian marker trees throughout the area.

John is survived by his children, Jean Sheridan of Maple City, Janet (Brian) Jeffs of Bath, and John Sheridan Jr. of Traverse City; grandchildren Brenna Jeffs, Alicia (Ben) Kenney, Daniel Sheridan, Christine ( Jason) Lyttle; great grandchildren, Skylar, Ben and Brenden along with many nieces, nephews, friends, and step-children.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ruth, and his siblings: Irene Richardson, Louis (Bud) Sheridan, Joyce Sheridan, Theodore (Ted) Sheridan, and first wife Suzanne Edwards.

A memorial service was held at 11am on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Interment will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery in Empire at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Cherryland Humane Society.

John will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His legacy of love, hard work, and passion for life will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. Kindly share thoughts and memories with his family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.