John David Stocks

John David Stocks was born in Columbus County, North Carolina on June 10, 1945 to J.D. and Josephine Elizabeth (Ward) Stocks. His first years were spent in Guideway, NC; then in the mid-1950’s the family moved to Milwaukee – settling in the Brady Street area. J.D. owned a body shop and Josephine worked at Gallun Tannery. John and his sister, Linda attended Cass Street School. He enjoyed many of the special things the neighborhood had to offer. He spent many hours playing basketball and baseball at Cass Street Park. He loved the Italian influence in the neighborhood, especially the food. He would often go to the corner store and get a loaf of Italian bread and bologna for a snack or pick up some Italian cookies. He also enjoyed collecting baseball cards.

John went to Lincoln High School and was very involved in sports; he was a linebacker on the frosh – soph football team and was captain of the golf team. When they weren’t playing basketball and baseball, John and his neighborhood buddies could be found hanging out on Brady Street, Cass Street Park, the Lakefront or Estabrook Park. He had a musical side as well, playing the trumpet, the guitar and was also a singer. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

John worked at Rexnord as a quality inspector for 26 years. He also worked at National Technologies for 15 years in Brown & Sharpe Department. He earned an Associate Degree from Indiana Bible College and was a licensed minister with the United Pentecostal Church – pastoring at Gospel Lighthouse Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin 1984 – 1992.

John met Brenda Gail Simmons through mutual friends in the Brady Street neighborhood. They married and had two children, Bill and Michelle. Unfortunately, their marriage didn’t last, but they continued to cherish their children and grandchildren, Brooke and Taylor. The family would later welcome Bill’s wife, Jessica to the family. John was truly heartbroken when Michelle became ill and passed away.

John created a Boys Club for boys and teens to hang out and learn how to be men. They could swim, learn archery or learn how to cook. He was in charge of Sunday School Classes at Junior camp. He attended Elim Tabernacle from 1973 – 1984 and was a Sunday School Superintendent there for many years.

Some of John’s favorites were Cracker Barrel Restaurant, Sciortino’s bakery, Pitch’s ribs, and Filippo’s Pizza; Larry Bird was his favorite basketball player; he loved the Green Bay Packers but he always stayed loyal to his North Carolina roots – cheering on the North Carolina Tarheels basketball team. His favorite TV shows were Blue Bloods, Hallmark movies and Swamp People.

John was happiest playing the guitar and singing – he loved people, he was a very compassionate man and a great preacher – his joy was ministering to people who needed help at any hour of the day.

John David Stocks was not a perfect man but he was forgiven. He entered into his rest Friday, September 6, 2019 at the age of 74 years. John was preceded in death by his parents J.D. and Josephine E. (Ward) Stocks and his daughter Michelle Stocks. He is the cherished father of William (Jessica) Stocks, the loving grandfather of Brooke and Taylor Stocks, and the loving brother of Linda (Fred) Emery. He is further survived by other relatives and friends.

Visitation Friday, September 20, 2019 at Living Word Apostolic Church 21401 W. National Avenue, New Berlin, WI 53151 from 6:00 PM until time of the Funeral Service at 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers memorials to the Stocks Family will be appreciated.

Share a memory and sign the guestbook at www.SuminskiFuneralHome.com