John Arthur Tellis

John A. Tellis, age 72, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on September 18, 2026, at Corewell/Meijers Heart Center, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

John was born in Pontiac, Michigan, and grew up in Harper Woods. He graduated from Grosse Pointe North High School in 1971. He received a Bachelor of Science with honor from Michigan State University in 1976 and went on to earn a Master of Science in Education: Policy, Foundations and Administration from Portland State University in 2002.

After graduating from Michigan State, John moved to Oregon, where he went into VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America), a domestic counterpart to the Peace Corps. Working with Harry’s Mother, a youth crisis organization, he served the young people of Portland. He remained in service to his community throughout his life.

After VISTA, John worked for Scotsco Inc., a regional wholesale distributor for chainsaw/forestry accessories. He enjoyed the experience and spoke of that time often.

In 1984, John began his career in law enforcement with the Portland Police Department. He spent the next 26 years in the profession he loved, retiring in 2010 as a Commander in the Training Division. Shortly after, John moved back to Michigan and, not quite done with law enforcement, became the Undersheriff for Isabella County and, for a brief time, served the County as Sheriff.

John enjoyed police work, serving his community, camaraderie and friendship with his fellow officers, and training and mentoring those coming up in the ranks. His many stories about his adventures have kept us all entertained.

Retiring for the final time in 2016, he relished the time he now had working in his shop, traveling, visiting his favorite place, Oregon, and spending time with his son, Brian, family and friends, and especially his beloved granddaughter, Emmalynn.

John was known for his love of learning and pursuit of knowledge, his giving nature, and his kindness to kids and animals.

As much as John loved his career, if you asked him what he did, his first response would be, I’m a woodworker or I’m a musician. John’s woodworking skills were impressive, and he enjoyed passing on the projects he made to others. He was always discussing woodworking projects with his lifelong friend, George Soullier. Family and friends often received birthday messages with John playing his hammered dulcimer.

John’s greatest strength was apparent this past year as he battled back from a fall that broke his neck and left him paralyzed from the shoulders down. After two months inpatient and ten months outpatient at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids, John had regained a remarkable amount of mobility and his journey and determination have been an inspiration to everyone he encountered. When John heard about a new treatment machine, ARC-EX, used to improve arm strength, feeling, and function for patients like himself, he played an important role in helping the hospital acquire one for their patients.

As we all would expect of John, he was a registered organ donor and was able to donate through Gift of Life-Michigan. Up to the end, his life was all about service.

He is survived by his wife, Donna Tellis of Mt. Pleasant; son Brian (Amii Cazalet) and granddaughter, Emmalynn of Portland, OR; stepson, Kurt Barker of Grand Rapids; stepdaughter, Ali Barker of Cincinnati, OH; sister, Dianne Wieferich of Alma; sister Jane (Dan) Staples of McCormick, SC; aunt Nancy Dizney of Eugene, OR; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Kathleen Tellis; and brother-in-law, Wayne Wieferich.

A funeral mass for John will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, October 7, at Sacred Heart Church, Mt. Pleasant. Visitation at the church will be held at 10 a.m., one hour before the funeral. A luncheon will immediately follow the service at Lincoln Reception Center, Charles R. Lux Funeral Home.

In the spring, a celebration of life will be held in Portland, OR.