John H Goodman II

A Tribute to a Community Leader – John H. Goodman II

The lights in St. Clairsville are a little dimmer without the brightness of John’s smile. The Upper Ohio Valley lost one of its best with the passing of John H. Goodman II on the evening of Saturday, January 22, 2022, after an unexpected short illness. During a family’s grieving, a part of healing is sharing the good memories of that life.

John was truly a man larger than life and a friend to all.  Decency, reliability, loyalty, humility, dignity, hospitality, trustworthiness: These are just some of the qualities that John not only held in high esteem but practiced every day during his time on this earth. He was not only a friend. He was also a fighter, a believer, a teacher, and a guide. He was a perfectionist, an umpire, a comforter, and a mentor. He touched so many lives due to his genuine and sincere interest in others. His dynamic personality and strong character continue to inspire us all. While encompassing all of these qualities he maintained a light-hearted and fun-loving approach to life. He certainly knew how to laugh and have a good time.  Everyone has unforgettable memories of John entrenched deep in their hearts and minds which they will never forget.

BUSINESS

John Goodman grew up in St. Clairsville, graduating from St Clairsville High School. John’s college years included attending Miami University and graduating from The College of Applied Science a division of the University of Cincinnati in 1966. After graduation, he returned to St Clairsville and joined his father, J. Harvey Goodman, in his business.  John wisely led the company in building over 300 homes, apartments, offices, retail buildings, commercial developments, and residential subdivisions in St. Clairsville.  Helping build the community was what he did for a living, but giving back and making the area a better place to live and work was who he was.

COMMUNITY

In as much as John was engrossed in the business world, he was also engrossed in community/civic involvement. His community meant the world to him and nothing gave him more joy than helping to improve its development. He generously gave of his time within the community. John served on various boards including that of the St. Clairsville School, Belmont National Bank Board of Directors, EORH/OVMC Hospital Board of Directors, Oglebay Institute Board of Directors, Board of the Belmont County CIC, multiple times President of Belmont county Board of Realtors and as well, various committees which aimed at improving real estate in the Ohio Valley. Throughout his years of service to the Rotary Club, he epitomized the club’s motto of “Service above Self”. He served as president of the St. Clairsville Rotary Club.  For more than 40 years he engaged himself in numerous fundraising projects carried out by the club. John was also active in the Ohio Valley American Heart Association among other charities including the Stadium Project for Red Devil Stadium, Saint Clairsville Food Pantry, and Tri-County Women’s Help Center. John found it a joy to give of himself in whatever capacity he was able to.

FAMILY

The greatest gifts that he leaves behind are his wife of 44 years Marylou, his son Jay (wife Rachel), and daughters Tracy (husband Keith Miller) and Emily (husband JR Shortall).  In his retirement, he took on his favorite job of being a “Papa” to Harvey, Maggie, Isabelle, Gus, and Lola Jaye. He also leaves behind many treasured friends and loyal employees who were like family to him and who will miss him dearly.

LEGACY

John had a profound effect on everyone he came in contact with both at the business and community levels. Like his father, J. Harvey Goodman, he leaves behind a never-ending legacy. Everyone has their own memories of John entrenched deep in their hearts and minds which they will never forget. His death was sudden, but his life was not faint. His memory will always be with us, and his legacy will continue through us all. We will miss him dearly, but we are so grateful for having known him and having shared so many memories with him. He brought immense joy and fulfillment to many, and his legacy will forever live on.

Visittaion will take place Tuesday, May 3, 2022 1 pm – 3 pm at CARE Funeral & Cremation Specialists – 204 W. Main Street, St. Clairsville, OH.  A Celebration of Life will take place Tuesday, May 3, 2022 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm at Belmont Hills Country Club – 47080 National Rd W, St Clairsville, OH.

CARE Funeral & Cremation Specialists is handling the arrangements for the Goodman family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting carechapel.com

In leiu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Rotary of St. Clairsville Food Insecurity by CLICKING HERE.  Thank you to all who have generously given in John’s memory.  The campaign has been reposted for the visitation and celebration of John’s life, so that those who did not have the chance before can make a contribution in John’s memory.