Jonathan "John" Phillip Messer

Jonathan “John” Phillip Messer, 53, of Candler, North Carolina, passed away on October 18, 2025 of a heart attack. John was born on December 30th, 1971 in Petosky, Michigan, but grew up in Waynesville, North Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his father Jonathan Phillip Messer and his mother Caroline Beardsly Messer. He is survived by his wife Shaleena Messer, his son Dallas Messer, his stepchildren KC and Nia Sisomphone, granddaughter Lyla Alcazar, his siblings Cheryl Trull, Martha (Judah) Messer Kalem, and Ryan Messer, his niece Carey Raines, his nephews Cody Trull, Levi Russell, Elijah Burris, Ezra Messer, and Evan Messer, and several great nieces and nephews.

John attended Tuscola High School. He hated missing school, having perfect attendance until he left school to begin working. From a young age, he loved heavy metal and sports. He faithfully followed his Dallas Cowboys every year, no matter how good they were doing. He shared his love of bands like Metallica and Slayer with metalheads everywhere he went.

John was a true people person who loved conversing and joking with his friends and family. Friends of John’s were friends for life, some friendships lasting for several decades. Every time he saw you, he greeted you with warmth and authenticity in a way that made you feel like you’d never been apart. He loved to laugh. He never ran out of jokes, stories, or handcrafted memes that he loved to share.

John was a loving and devoted husband. He first met his wife in a Yahoo Chatroom. When they finally met in person, it was love at first sight. They carried on a long᠆distance relationship for five years before finally moving in with each other in Asheville. His love for his wife was evident to all who knew him. After they got together, people often commented on his bigger smile and happier demeanor. He filled his marriage with joy and laughter. He loved to make Shaleena laugh, hold her hand through tough times, and was quick to apologize when he erred. In marriage, John was a partner through life, a husband, and a best friend.

John was a caring and committed father. He would do anything at the drop of a hat for his son Dallas. After moving in with Shaleena, he took KC under his wing and treated him like one of his own. He shared his love of football and music with them. He supported their passions and interests with love and enthusiasm. He taught them right from wrong and made sure they understood the impacts of their actions and the strengths of their character. He took special care with all the young men who looked up to him. He taught his nephews everything he knew and had an immense impact on their lives.

John loved family more than anything. He maintained a close connection with his siblings, who could often be found around the table playing board games or in the garage shooting darts. When he and his siblings were younger he used to love to pick on them and rag them every chance he got. Once someone gave him a pair of "ninja shoes". He would put them on and sneak up behind his brother and sister and kick them and then say he was the silent ninja.They would spend almost every Sunday at his oldest sister's house.

John was a straight‐talker, a mentor, a best friend, a son, a brother, a father, and a husband. He will be dearly missed by everyone who was blessed to know him.

A Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Messer family.