John Gibson Pearis peacefully passed away September 2, 2024, at his home in Raymore. Born and raised in Mullens, West “By God” Virginia (a coal mining and railroad center) December 21, 1934, the second son of Vida (Gibson) and Samuel Pepper Pearis, Sr.
Gib graduated from Mullens High School, class of 1952, continuing his education at Alderson Broadus College, Phillippi, West Virginia. After two years, he came to Kansas City, Mo., and worked in a clothing factory for a year. He was a volunteer as a Baptist Youth Fellowship Discipleship intern and served a year in Minnesota. Returning to West Virginia, he attended West Virginia University, Morgantown, W.V., graduating with a BA degree in Psychology.
Following graduation, he felt an obligation to serve his country, volunteering for the United States Army draft, was stationed at Fort Benning, Ga., for two years, discharged, then called back into the Army with the Berlin Call-Up and stationed at Walter Reed. During this tour, he renewed a relationship with Janie Dailey and married her in 1962.
After his Army discharge as an SP4 E-4 he was employed by the State of West Virginia as an occupational counselor in Huntington, W.V. Following his Army recall, he returned to Huntington. While there he attended night school at Marshall University, obtaining his teaching certificate and taught a year in Arlington, Va. Seeking additional education, he went to Wichita, Kan., obtaining his Master’s Degree in Counseling. He then accepted a Counseling position at Parkway Central Junior High, St. Louis. While in St. Louis, they adopted their son, Michael John Pearis. He pursued further education studying for a doctorate degree at New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, N.M.
In 1971, both he and his wife accepted teaching positions in the Belton school system. He served as a school counselor until his retirement in 1997. This position was a lifetime fulfillment as he felt he made a difference in his students’ lives.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife (Janice Dailey), and older brother, Samuel Pepper Pearis II. Survivors include is wife of 33 years, Dana Cravens Hamilton; son, Mike; brother, Herbert James (JoAnn); sister-in-law Polly Pearis; stepchildren Scott (Carrie), Todd (Jackie), Darren Hamilton and Lacinda Kramer; former daughter-in-law Dottie Jones Pearis; beloved grandchildren Jonathon, Hannah and Joe Pearis; seven step-grandchildren plus four step great grands; niece Tamara; and nephews Barry and Bill Pearis.
Gib was an active member of CrossRoads United Methodist Church in Belton, serving on the Good News Production Team, Explorers Sunday School class and the Security team.
Services will be held at the church on Sunday, Sept. 22, with visitation at 1 p.m. and memorial service at 2. There will be a light fellowship reception following, at CrossRoads United Methodist Church, 515 E. Markey Parkway, Belton, MO 64012. Contributions would be welcome to the CrossRoads Memorial Fund.