World famous Magician, John William Apperson has passed away peacefully at his home in Granite City, Illinois on November 17th, 2024. John's life journey began on February 13, 1942, Yes, it was a Friday. He was the only surviving Apperson brother at the time of his passing. He grew up between Manchester and Cherryville, Missouri. At the age of 13 John moved to Cherryville full-time, taking up residence in the Shanti. A small 1 room cabin with no electricity or water and a wood stove in the corner for heat. This was his home for high school, and he told many stories of the fun adventures he had in this time of his life. He washed up in the creek, put a flag up on the mailbox before he went to bed so the bus driver would start honking at the top of the hill to get up for school. It was a long walk if he missed the bus, and he had to cross the flooded creek on more than one occasion. He was a star basketball and fast pitch softball player for Cherryville high school, this was a great time in his life and the adventures had with his three best friends Jim Young, David Hall and Jim Jones were amazing and many. The best part of this time was that he met the love of his life, Virginia Elaine Rector. The early dates always included his best friends, and they became an inseparable group of kids living the best life they could. John went to work for the Brown Shoe factory after high school, got a real apartment and started working on a relationship with Virginia. A few years were spent running between Cuba and Columbia with John often hitchhiking due to the un-reliable vehicles that he could afford.

John and Virginia were married on June 8,1963 and began their life in Granite City, Illinois. John started working in the steel mills (Dow Chemical and Granite City Steel) but often found himself laid off. Their first son David James was born on December 15, 1964, with Gary Todd coming along 2 years later July 2, 1966. John was always able to fix anything or move anything and always had a side job going on. He would move a 1,000-pound printing press in the bed of his pickup with an appliance dolly and one helper like it was nothing at all. He cleaned countless air conditioners and installed all types of appliances while working at State Radio and TV.

This is when John found the second love of his life, Magic. He started hanging out at Devoe's Magic Den in downtown St. Louis buying tricks and books when he could afford them, practicing endlessly, making amazing friends, and made himself a "World Famous Magician". He would perform over a100 shows a year in his heyday, with the Holiday Season being the busiest. Over 50 shows in the months of November and December at local schools, private parties, and fraternal gatherings. Christmas was the best at the Apperson house. He even performed at the Playboy Club in Downtown St. Louis. He was a past President of St. Louis Assembly #8 and Past President of the National Society of American Magicians (S.A.M.). He was the third person to ever receive an honorary lifetime membership to the National Society of American Magicians.

Finding the steel mills an unreliable source of income, John took the Police and Fire Departments employment test. He was offered his choice of positions, and Officer Apperson was his future. He spent 20 plus years fighting crime in Granite City or wherever it was needed. He had more than one physical altercation with the bad guys and always won. The kid's nicknamed him 'Lurch' and always knew that he was tough but fair. He always enjoyed watching them pour out the beer they had illegally purchased before sending them on their way with a stern warning. He retired as Seargent Apperson.

He spent his retirement traveling the states planning and organizing Magic conventions, spending time with his family and granddaughters Gabrielle and Eliza, serving process papers and being a Shriner and Mason. He was a member of the Granite City Masonic Lodge for 56 years and an active member of the Ainad Shrine of East St. Louis for more than 25 years.

John was a great husband, father, and friend that will be missed by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him.

The family will hold a Memorial for John Apperson on Sunday, November 24, 2024 from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm at the Granite City Masonic Lodge, 1700 Pontoon Road in Granite City, IL.  Masonic ceremonies will be at 3:00 pm and S.A.M. ceremonies at 3:30 pm.

Professional services entrusted to the care of Wojstrom Funeral Home & Crematory in Granite City, IL.

Online guestbook and obituary available at www.wojstrom.com