John James Cramer , III, age 69 of Macomb, died Tuesday, March 31, 2020 at the McLaren Macomb Hospital  He was born February 7, 1951 in Detroit, Michigan, son of  the late John and the late Margaret (Van Antwerp) Cramer.  He is survived by his spouse Debra (Mele) Cramer to who was the love of his life. They were married for 45 years.  John has two children Jennifer (Craig) Grimm and his son John James Cramer IV. He has three grandsons Giovanni, Dominic and Vincenzo.  He is also survived by his mother-in-law Betty and the late Vincent Mele. He is survived by five siblings, two sisters-in-laws and four brothers-in-laws: Arthur Cramer (Marge) of West Palm Florida, Ellen Ventimiglia (Victor) of Lakeport Michigan, Susan Huvaere (Gary) of Grosse Pointe Farms Michigan, MaryAnn Cramer of Harrison Township Michigan and Peggy Miklas (John) of Clinton Township Michigan and Kelly Williams (Mark) of Romeo Michigan . He is also survived by fourteen niece and nephews: Erica (Nate), Thomas (Sara), Joseph (Rachel), Victor (Heather), Kelly, John, Katherine, Ann, Angela, Joseph, John, Ava, Peter and Cameron. He is survived by seven great nieces and nephews.

John retired from Chrysler in 2002, where he was a foreman for thirty-one years. He worked most of that time at the truck plant on Mound Road. He made many lifelong friends and always took great pride in the job that he did.

When he wasn't working, John enjoyed spending time with family. He loved hunting, fishing, and boating.   He loved spending time with grandchildren. He would also make sure he has a dollar bill or a candy bar ready and waiting when his little buddy, Gio. He took such pride and joy when Gio and his twin brothers, Dom and Vinnie, came to visit.

He loved to vacation with his family with some of his favorite places such as Tennessee and Florida. They would go to Tennessee every year when his kids were small. He and his son, John would get lots of fireworks to share with his neighbors on the 4 ^th of July. He also loved to hang out and swim in his back yard. He loved his home and he took care of it and had a lot of great family memories. He also loved to head down to Mexico with his wife Debbie and their friend for some fun in the sun.

John also loved to bake. He baked for everyone, his doctor, his banker, his neighbors and he even would make his special birthday pies for the neighborhood kids. He was known for his famous chocolate whipped cream cake (his mom's recipe), apple pies and chocolate chip cookies. This is where is daughter Jenny got her love of baking.  John was one of the most giving and thoughtful individuals.  Even in his last days when his family would bring him his favorite treats, he would spend his time offering it to other residents and staff at the facility.

John also had a love of playing cards. He also had a pack of card in his pocket. Euchre was his game. He was a master at playing cards. This is a trait he took from his father, Jack Cramer. When our family got together it always turned into a game of euchre.

As for one of his most endearing traits, John simply loved people. It was more than merely being a "people-person,"…he had a unique wit and he teased and joked with anyone and everyone. He had a genuine gift of connecting with others and engaging them with his own brand of friendliness and humor. You couldn't be in John's presence for more than a few minutes without feeling like you had known him all your life. He possessed a warmth and charisma that enveloped you the moment you met, and his was the most generous individual that ever existed. His compassion and humor will forever be just one of the hallmarks that will set him apart from all the rest.

John was loving husband, father, grandfather, son-in-law, brother and friend. He was devoted to his family and friends and held them close as the world took him on quite the challenging ride. Throughout his life, John taught many lessons of love & laughter, pain & perseverance, and the importance of always putting his family first. He touched countless hearts and souls in his journey through life and will continue to touch the same with each reflection shared of the memorable moments created this side of Heaven. He will be missed beyond expression and loved beyond measure. May he, now, rest in peace.

John will be laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery on April 1, 2020, arrangements have been entrusted to the Southfield Funeral Home in Southfield, Michigan.

Please share memories of John at his guest book below.