John Bartrom, born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, was more than just a name; he was a force of nature from the very beginning. To his parents, Gena and Robert Bartrom, and his family as John Michael, he was a boy brimming with ambition and grand visions. John wasn’t one to simply blend in; his drive was to excel – to be the biggest, fastest, most engaging, intelligent, and most cherished person in any room. He consistently pushed boundaries, always anticipating the next challenge and opportunity.
From a young age, John possessed a remarkable gift for communication. As the eldest of five siblings, he naturally assumed the role of family spokesperson, readily offering advice and guidance, whether solicited or not. His boundless energy found an outlet in track and cross country at Dekalb High School, where he achieved state-level recognition in both sports. Further showcasing his articulate nature, John excelled in speech and debate, culminating in the honor of delivering the commencement speech at his high school graduation. This ability to motivate and connect with audiences cemented his path as a lifelong positive public speaker.
Post-high school, John was eager to embrace life’s challenges. His entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly as he ventured into diverse fields, from establishing a thriving coffee shop to consistently achieving top-performer status on every sales team he joined. His career in sales took him from Fort Wayne to Indianapolis, ultimately leading him to his permanent home in Kansas City. A pivotal moment arrived in 2009 when the kitchen and bath remodeling division of his company faced closure. Seizing this as an opportunity, John made the bold decision to launch his own venture. Jericho Home Improvements was born from John’s aspiration to build a successful company rooted in the highest industry standards and a commitment to operating differently. He took immense pride in establishing a business that steadfastly upheld its core values.
Central to John’s ethos was a profound commitment to giving back. Generosity was not just an action but an intrinsic part of John’s character. His generosity wasn’t about symbolic gestures; it was about genuinely meeting needs. Beyond countless individual acts of kindness, John passionately supported organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Living Water International, World Harvest Ministries, Dare to Share, and Global Orphan Project. He embodied the principle of walking the talk, backing his words with tangible actions. John possessed an unwavering belief in others, generously offering his time, resources, and unwavering encouragement. He was a constant source of support, always ready to stand by you in times of need. John had a rare ability to see and believe in the best in everyone, making him truly exceptional.
John Bartrom’s legacy is defined by a life lived with extraordinary passion and purpose. He will be most fondly remembered for the immense love he had for others, especially his two daughters, Zella and Baylee, and his deep devotion to his loving wife, Rachel. Despite facing his share of life’s hurdles, John consistently strived to overcome every obstacle and emerge stronger. He was a firm believer in second chances and held onto dreams even when others doubted them. To live like John Bartrom means embracing life to its fullest potential. Perhaps we can all carry a part of John’s spirit within us: to dream boldly, give generously, laugh wholeheartedly, uplift those around us, recognize the potential in ourselves and others, take calculated risks, and never miss an opportunity for karaoke.
John is lovingly survived by his fiancée, Rachel, and their unborn son, John Michael Jr.; his daughters, Zella and Baylee; his mother and stepfather, Gena and Bryan Hayes; his siblings, Adam & Lis Bartrom, Nora & Tim Schwartz, Taya & Jared Boggs, Grace & Josh Blodgett; his future in-laws, John & Debbie Chai; Rachel’s son, Evan Chai; Rachel’s brothers: Aaron & Jessica Chai, Ben & Tanya Chai, Josh Chai; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, colleagues, mentors, and cherished loved ones.
John was predeceased by his daughter, Arianna; his father, Robert Bartrom; his grandparents; and his beloved grandmother, Pauline Walters.
Indiana services will be announced at a later date. John’s final resting place will be Parker Cemetery in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in John Bartrom’s name to Dare to Share (https://www.dare2share.org/donate) or Global Orphan Project (https://goproject.org/donor/).
