John “J.B.” Blocher

John "J. B." Blocher, 62, of Shawnee, passed away Monday, May 21, 2012, at the University of Kansas Medical Center.

J.B. was born March 6, 1950, to the late William and Kathleen Blocher in Wheeling, West Virginia. J.B. attended Shawnee Mission North High School and graduated from Emporia State University in 1972 with a Bachelor's degree in Math. J.B. loved sports and played basketball most of his life including high school and college.

On October 21, 1978, J.B. married the love of his life, Jane Ruch in Leona, Kansas. Both J.B.'s faith and Christian life were very important to him and he was a faithful servant in the churches he attended.

J.B. is survived by his devoted wife of 33 years; his daughters Lindsay Laufenburger and husband Patrick, and Abby Blocher; brother, Kim Blocher and wife Jane; niece, Erin Blocher; sister-in-law, Cheryl Ruch; and mother-in-law, Helen Ruch.

Services will be 11:00, am Monday, June 18, 2012, at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 6422 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park, Kansas.

The family suggests memorial contributions in lieu of flowers be made to University of Kansas Cancer Center, Gift Processing Department, KU Endowment, P. O. Box 928, Lawrence, Kansas 66044-0928.