John A. Cassidy Jr. passed away in his hometown of Morley at the age of 47 on December 12, 2025. He was born in Big Rapids on January 6, 1978 to John Cassidy Sr. and Nicki (Boerma) Johnston.

Butch, as his close friends and family knew him, was a seeker at heart. He was always seeking out new opportunities, new friends, and new knowledge. He was never afraid of a challenge. In 1997, Butch enlisted in the U. S. Army. He was honorably discharged in 2005 after serving in the Reserves for some time.

When the opportunity arose to move to Alaska in 2002, John took it in stride. He spent the better part of 10 years in Alaska, where he held multiple positions at ODOM: from sales, to truck driving, and eventually warehouse manager. Butch was proud to have spent the last year and half at Pearson Logistics, where he recently became the Director of Shipping and Receiving.

In November 2022, Butch joined the Big Rapids Masonic Lodge #171. He was honored to become a Master Mason on March 18, 2023. John carried the values of Freemasonry close to his heart, as his Grandpa Boerma was a Mason, Grandma Boerma an Eastern Star, and mother, Nicki, a Job's Daughter.

When he wasn't working, John could be found hunting for deer or mushrooms, wine tasting, snow machining, or spending time with his nephews or grandkids (who knew him as Papa). For some time, John even held the position of Service Officer at the Morley American Legion. He also enjoyed watching college football, and seemed to have every U of M statistic memorized. Above all, Butch was a passionate father to his son, Finn. He loved nothing more than spending time with Finn, often playing chess or fishing.

Butch was an exceptional listener, a fierce friend, and would help anyone at any time.

Butch is survived by his parents, Nicki and John; step-mom: Doni; brother: Wayne (April) Cassidy; son: Finn Cassidy; Finn's mom: Sarah Cassidy; partner: Teresa O'Neil; Teresa's children: Maverick and Makaylah; grandchildren: Layla, Mallory, and Gerald; step-siblings: Niki Stricker, Shelby Sheler, Kelley Reitzel, Jason Johnston, Elizabeth Ottobre, and Paul Ottobre; nephews: Samuel, Andrew, and Gabriel; as well as countless more aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family members. In addition to family, John will be greatly missed by his close friends: Dave Whipple, Mark Caudy, Travis Kizer; Grace Heethuis, Jake Stilson, Travis Judd, Mike O'Neil, John Archie Rinck, as well as Ben and Sofia Carter.

John is preceded in death by his Grandma and Grandpa Boerma; Grandma and Grandpa Cassidy; step-father: Kenneth Johnston; Uncle Neil Noordyke; niece: Katelin Cassidy; and cousins: Scott Cassidy and Jonathan Boerma;

Arrangements are in the care of Daggett Gilbert Funeral Homes, Big Rapids. A memorial service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 12:00 PM. Visitation will take place one hour prior at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Finn Cassidy's college fund, which is in the care of Sarah Cassidy.

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Topic: Cassidy Memorial

Time: Dec 20, 2025 11:50 AM America/Detroit

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