John Pierman of JP PIerman Construction

In loving memory of John Phillip Pierman, who passed away at the age of 66 with his loving wife Vicki Pierman at his side at their home in Alanson, Michigan on Monday, November 16, 2020. Loving father of JR Pierman (Nadia) and “dad” of Sheryl Pierman. Adored grandfather (Papa) of John and Abbey Pierman. Beloved brother of Ken (Barb), late Elaine (Dave), Mary (Russ), and Paul (Judy). Youngest son of the late Mary and late Ernest Pierman.

Over the past eight months, alongside his family, John fought a courageous battle against an advanced and aggressive diagnosis of lung cancer. During that time, John was supported in so many ways. Huge heart felt appreciation goes out to John’s sister Mary and her husband Russ who have done so much and been with John, Vicki and JR at their side to support them through the battle including during John’s final days at home. To Barry and Linda Seidel, John and Vicki’s wonderful friends from Tecumseh, Michigan, who were so generous with their support and love from the first day of his diagnosis until his final trip home to Alanson, you were a true blessing. To Sheryl Pierman, who has always been like John’s own daughter, your enduring love and support was felt and appreciated. To Mara Karle, Vicki’s friend who called her to support Vicki faithfully every night and gave her the energy to be there for John each day, your support and love were needed and cherished. To Nadia, thank you for all your help in St. Claire and in Goulais and for sitting and talking with John, making him feel comfortable, making him laugh and feel loved. To Abbey and John, your papa loved every minute he got to spend with you and especially appreciated the time during his stay in Goulais in September. He was so proud of both of you and knew how much you loved him. To all the caregivers in Port Huron, Petoskey, and Toledo and all the friends and family who supported John and his family during this difficult fight, your support and love were blessings.

John lived a full life dedicated to his family, his friends and his passion for building amazing construction projects. John grew up in Goulais River, Ontario, with his parents, older brothers and sisters and gained the Pierman entrepreneurial spirit at a young age. After he met and fell in love with Vicki in high school and they got married after graduation, John completed his engineering diploma at Sault College and then he founded his construction company J.P. Pierman Construction Limited. John would build the company into the largest non-union construction firm in Northern Ontario in the mid-80’s. During this time John played an important executive role in many organizations including the Canadian Construction Association of Canada, the Ontario General Contractors Association, and the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation. Many of the projects John built remain hallmark buildings across Northern Ontario. In the mid-90’s, John and Vicki moved to Michigan and he continued to fuel his passion for building great projects with the expansion of numerous large hospitals, manufacturing plants, educational and institutional projects. While the projects John built were impressive, it was truly his ability to lead and manage teams of people in a positive, friendly and inspirational manner that he will be most remembered for in the construction industry.

Outside of his professional life, John loved to hunt and fish and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. His fishing and hunting adventures with his son JR, his late father-in-law (Bob Mihell), his “second-son” Jeff Elgie and his many friends over-the-years were always memorable events that John truly loved. His time with his grandchildren Abbey and John always meant the world-to-him and seeing them grow into young adults was one of his proudest moments. Through the close relationship he shared with his late mother-in-law, Betty Mihell, and learning from her love for pets, and alongside Vicki, John raised many furry pals over the years, including his current “best buddy” Ollie, who meant the world to him. Over the years, from building their first home in Goulais River, running a construction company together, moving too many times to count, building an amazing family together and all of the small and big adventures along the way, Vicki and John were true life partners for nearly 48 years, sharing in all that life held for them each and every day. He will be truly missed but is blessed to be in heaven. His spirit will remain with us every day.

In the interest of everyone’s health and safety, a celebration of life for friends and family will take place next spring (when the weather warms-up) at an outdoor event to be held on the banks of the Goulais River, at JR and Nadia’s home, close to John’s roots. An opportunity for memorial contributions to a charitable organization will be identified at that time.