John R. Potts

JOHN ROZELL POTTS, 70 of Grant, passed away Saturday, July 31, 2021, at home.

John was born April 25, 1951, at Omaha, to Dr. L.C. and Royce (Walters) Potts. He graduated from Grant High School with the class of 1969. He went on to attend college in Denver and Sterling earning money as a promising door to door accordion salesman.

In 1972, John married Darlene Lee, and the couple made their home in Grant. After they separated, John would marry Jayne Witzki in 1978, and their union was blessed with two children. In 1986, John and Darlene were remarried, bonding together, four children, Jared, Jennifer, Chad, and Leah, into a family that would enjoy the richest of bonds.

John farmed around Perkins County for several years until a family ranch was purchased in Ainsworth, Ne where he and his brother, Les, continued to farm and ranch together. John later opened a gift shop with his Mom called the Double Eagle where he was able to showcase his talent for jewelry making. He then went to work at Farmland as their Chemical Manager. In 1993, John and Darlene bought DJs in downtown Grant. The couple sold the business in 2020 to enjoy retirement.

John was a gifted artist. From the jewelry he made to his fantastic wood carvings, his steady hands could communicate the workings of a mind that knew beauty. His curiosity always led him into new hobbies and passion projects, most recently, astronomy. Never one to hold tepid interests, John typically mastered his hobbies and moved on, searching for the next thing that captured him.

John loved all things music. His phone held 13,000 songs scattered across a broad spectrum of genres. Many of his families' best memories are set to a soundtrack of the 60s and 70s, cranked up loud, just the way John liked it. From leg wrestling the kids on the living room floor, waging thumb wars, eating breakfast, to spending summer days out on the glistening waters of Lake McConaughy, fond recollections are often carried on while enjoying music.

Those that were fortunate enough to know John Potts could attest, he was a unique individual. He was sharp-minded, artistically brilliant, and perpetually curious. His physical stature was downright intimidating yet housed the softest of souls. John's passion for his family, his music & eclectic interests had a way of stirring his soul that was visible to the people around him. John gravitated to where the fun was at, or maybe the other way around; either way, he soaked up and appreciated the good times thoroughly as if they might move away from town and not come back if he let them go to waste. His earnest desire to see his family and friends smile, laugh, and or be embarrassed couldn't have been expressed better than when he would sing his karaoke secret weapon, "Big Bad John," at the end of a fun night.

A few of John's great passions stuck around for life. He had a deep love for Jesus and the Gospel. John read the Bible every night and belonged to a Bible study group for over twenty years. His family was his pride and joy, especially his grandkids, who somehow managed to take his happiness to new heights. Despite living life with a full heart, his little chihuahua, Chico managed to find an important place to stay there too. In the two years since the passing of his brother, Les, John's relationship with his mother deepened; he visited her daily every morning. So much could be said and written and yet still fall insufficient. Rest easy, Big John; thanks for sharing your life's journey with us.

John was preceded in death by his dad, Dr. L.C. Potts, and his brother, Les, in 2019.

Survivors include his wife, Darlene of Grant; children, Chad (Stephanie) Miller of St. Paul, Leah (Charley) Wescoat of North Platte; Jared (Melissa) Potts of Grant; Jennifer (Joe) Tatum of Grant; grandchildren, (Josey, Eli, Kenna, Gabriel, Rally, Riggin, Ryeker, Charlotte, Willa, Cecelia, Conner, Jaiven and Brock); his mother, Royce Potts of Grant; siblings, Genie (Gaylord) Bishop, Deb (Rick) Tatum all of Grant; sister-in-law, Karen Potts of Grant; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

A memorial service will be on Thursday, August 5, 2021, at 11 am at the Grant Evangelical Free Church, with Pastor Russ Gaar officiating. Inurnment will be in the Grant Fairview Cemetery.

Memorial book signing will be on Wednesday from 4-7 pm at Bullock-Long Funeral Home in Grant.

A memorial has been established in John's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com, where the services will be streamed live.

Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.