Our dear John Martin McTheny II, age 66, passed away on January 15, 2025 in Grants Pass, Oregon after a short illness. His son, John McTheny III was by his side. John was born in Morgantown, West Virginia on May 18, 1958. He was the son of the late Margaret Anne Kochenderfer and late John Martin McTheny. John’s roots were in West Virginia. He spent the early years of his childhood hiking in the woods and fishing with both his uncle Jim Kochenderfer and the late Miles “Koch” Kochenderfer. This is where he began his love of nature and the outdoors. He often spent summers in Tucker County, WV with his grandparents Martha Kochenderfer (predeceased) Miles Kochendefer (predeceased), and had many fun times at Camp Horseshoe.
John was the oldest of 3 children. He has 1 brother, Patrick Flanagan (predeceased) and one sister, Jennifer McTheny. John was a wonderful big brother! As the oldest of the family, he took his job seriously and was always looking out for family. He actively supported them in their endeavors.
John attended St Louis Catholic School and Mt. Vernon High School in Alexandria, VA. Shortly after high school, John travelled the country and eventually settled on the west coast. He ended up calling California his home where he started a family and worked as an electrician for several years.
John’s honesty, integrity and a deep love for family were priorities in his life. His greatest joy was being a father to his son, John McTheny III. John was loyal, kindhearted, and a good soul who was always willing to lend a helping hand. Everyone who knew him would say that he would give you the shirt off his back. His kindness also extended to his love of animals. John often took in many abandoned, neglected, and unwanted animals and gave them a good home.
In his spare time, he enjoyed restoring his vintage motorcycles and cars. He treasured going for long rides through the mountains of California and Oregon. John was witty, with a great sense of humor. He loved to laugh and was an animated storyteller. He had a lively personality and would have everyone in the room filled with laughter as he told a story.
John is survived by his son, John McTheny III, his sister Jennifer McTheny, his nieces, Shannan Flanagan and Meghan Flanagan, aunts and uncles, and many cousins. John was a devoted father, son, grandson, brother, uncle, nephew and friend. He was well loved by many and will be dearly missed by his family, friends and all those whose lives he touched.
The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church at Parsons, WV. The Rev. Father Martin J. Smay will be the Presider and interment will follow at the Bethel Cemetery at Holly Meadows. The Lohr & Barb Funeral Home is honored to be in charge of the arrangements for John Martin McTheny, II. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.lohrbarbfuneralhome.com