John David Eighmey

John David Eighmey, age 71, passed away on Friday, February 26, 2021. He was born in Waterloo, IA, to Orville and Sophie (Voynovich) Eighmey on May 22, 1949. He attended St. John’s Catholic school and Columbus High School.

John was active in and developed what would become a life-long love of sports and music. He joined his first band at age 16, touring and performing in various venues. He was particularly proud of participating in a battle of the bands hosted by Paul Revere and the Raiders.

In 1969, John answered his country’s call, joining the U.S. Army. His tour of duty took him to Germany where he served first as a tanker and then as a boxer with USAREUR. He received a National Defense service medal and marksmen commendations.

While stationed in Germany he met and married Zdenka Nikolic on September 5, 1970. The two moved back to the states in 1971 and made their home in Waterloo, IA. Together they had four children. John embraced family time and enjoyed coaching his son in running or baseball, umpiring his daughter’s softball games, or participating in road races with the entire family. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and running his dogs.

John found his vocational calling when the family settled in Eldora, IA, and he got a job at the State Training School for Boys. Always a people person, John found counseling came naturally. Whether at work or in his personal life, people seemed to gravitate to his ready ear. His ability to use his own life experiences to relate to the youths in his care led him through what would be a 30-yr career in youth counseling.

When his marriage of 14 years ended in divorce, John moved his children to Iowa Falls to pursue a degree in criminal justice at Ellsworth Community College. It was at an ECC dance that he met Darla Jean Decker, a mother with three children of her own. They moved in together and were married March 25, 1988. Two families blended into one and was further cemented with the birth of their shared daughter.

Degree in hand, John started a job at North Iowa Juvenile Detention Center and moved the family to Independence, IA, where they lived for 11 years. Life became even busier when John, his wife, and daughters began to perform regularly, first as the vocal group Infinity, and then transitioning into a karaoke business. He relaxed by fishing and taking up golfing. A stroke in 2005 led to early retirement and an extended rehabilitation.

In 2010 John and Darla moved to Metropolis, IL. It was there that John developed a love of country living, spending time caring for his chickens, donating the eggs to the local senior center, and hosting barbecues and bonfires for friends. Missing the company of their children and grandchildren, John and Darla returned to Iowa in 2015 choosing to settle in Newton. He loved Hawkeye football and basketball, cheering on the Cubs and Yankees, and helping coach his grandson’s basketball team alongside his son. Birthday parties, family events, and post-game telephone debriefs kept him in touch with everyone.

John suffered chronic health conditions that deteriorated over the years. Even while his tired body was giving out, sheer will and determination kept him going long enough to share goodbyes with loved ones and listen to his last Hawkeye game. His heart may have stopped beating on February 26, 2021, but his unique spirit lives on in the hearts of his family and friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his infant son, Michael, and his granddaughter, Kaydins.

He is survived by his wife, Darla of Newton, IA, his four brothers - Don, George, Mike, and Frank, his children and their spouses - Lisa and Anthony Senne of Iowa Falls, IA, John and Jana Eighmey of Prairie City, Marsha and Kerim Kreho of Ankeny, IA, Justin and Cate Decker of Cedar Rapids, IA, Jason and Jacque Decker of Iowa City, IA, Jennileigh Smith of Iowa Falls, Erika Eighmey and German Torres of Puerto Vallarta, MX, and his grandchildren, Hayley, Nikolas, Jaden, Jack, Zackariah, Nadia, Jasmina, Jaylen, Jordyn, Jayce, Kyler, Krew, Keira, and Patience.

Memorials can be sent to the family at 602 E 11th St S. Newton, IA 50208.