John Michael Markle's Obituary
John Michael Markle, age 29, of Ashburn, Virginia passed away on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC surrounded by the love of family. John Michael was born on Wednesday, October 12, 1994; he was the beloved son of Tim and Peggy Markle.
John Michael was brave and courageous, a great brother and cousin, strong student, hard worker, and created moments of kindness - both big and small. He had a quiet and gentle generosity, with the ability to lift a person up when they needed it, even if others couldn’t see their need. His gifts were always unique, creative, and one-of-a-kind, making sure he included people in whatever ways he could. When words failed, he let music and moments of generosity speak for him.
John Michael loved being a part of so many communities, fueled by his passions. It was his way of connecting with others and living so boldly in the moment. He was obsessed with all things sports, movies, tv shows, and comics, and loved celebrating those at live events, from going to the Super Bowl twice with his dad and grandfather, Comic-Con International, concerts and countless games. When he showed up for each of these groups, it was always with matching shoes and hats to perfectly fit the fandom. As much as he loved every Philadelphia sports team with every part of him, he loved his family more than anything. He loved growing up playing with his sisters, spoiling his cousins, and watching sports games with his uncles. John Michael looked forward to going to visit his grandparents in New Jersey, being with them and having our summer routine of beach, pool, and boardwalk. He found joy in the little things, and surrounded his space with collections that gave him and his family joy and love.
John Michael was given an extremely difficult road, even from an early age. At 11, he was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, forever altering his life. For someone who was given a mountain of medical challenges, he had the courage to never let that define his character or how he showed up for himself and others. He always thanked the nurses and doctors around him, and liked making them laugh on the hardest of days. John Michael was a titan - proving the impossible, and showing us miracles day in and day out of what he could overcome as his body fought against him.
John Michael always wanted the most out of life, and always gave himself something to look forward to. He always showed up, and loved to work. He was a George Mason Patriot, part of the original crew at Big Kyle BBQ, and had jobs at Lost Rhino, Screen Rant, CARFAX, national fan conventions such as BroadwayCon, PodX, AlienCon, LeakyCon, and Con of Thrones, Washington West Film Festival, and especially loved his job at Navy Federal, where he had an amazing team of friends, and finally got to work at the same place as his dad. Through all of his jobs, he was also the author of Johnny Sports Blog, his own sports blog that allowed him to give his thoughts on the world he admired so much.
Each day had so much life, and so much joy, even in the little moments. True to himself in his last days, John Michael lived life with every piece of his heart. He shared funny videos, posted his top picks to his sports blog, and was still ordering gifts for others - he always loved sharing and making someone else’s day. He fought with so much strength and courage, and no space is the same without him here. The words kindness, strength, generosity and love have new meaning because of John Michael. He will be with us forever and always in our hearts.
John Michael is survived by his loving parents, Tim and Peggy, his sisters Abigail Markle, Katherine Markle, and Megan Markle Mandarakas and her husband Nicholas Mandarakas. Along with his grandparents John and Eileen Markle, William and Carol Eager. His aunts and uncles, Amy Markle, Aunt Eileen Eager, Bill and Kate Eager, Amy and Kyle Norris, Kevin and Sarah Eager, Elizabeth and Frank Martino, Sarah and Jeff Weir, Michael and Amanda Eager, Eamon and Emilie Eager, John and Jenna Eager, Zeke Eager and Celina Figueroa, Josh and Kelly Eager and Jennifer and Sal Mineo. His cousins, Sean Eager, Kyle Norris, Sierra Norris, Ashley Norris, Ellie Eager, Liam Eager, Finn Eager, Serefina Martino, Annie Eager, Lucy Eager, Jack Eager, Grace Eager, Cole Eager, Luke Eager, Caitlin Eager, Daniela Martino, Dean Eager, Caleb Eager, Molly Eager, Isla Eager, Roman Eager, Devin Eager, McKinley Eager, Maeve Eager, Lucas Eager, Blake Eager, the Wallaces, and so many other friends and family who loved him.
John Michael was cared for at Bremerton Naval Hospital, Madigan Regional, Army Hospital, Fort Lewis, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Georgetown University Hospital, Walter Reed Hospital, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Bethesda Naval Hospital, Stone Springs Hospital, Fairfax Family Clinic Laboratory, and Fairfax Hospital. Just as John Michael always made sure to show his appreciation and gratitude, we remain grateful for all of the care teams that helped him throughout his journey, particularly Dr. Gregory Semancik, Dr. Simon P. Horslen, Dr. Stuart Kaufman, Dr. Phillip Rogers, Dr. Onclay Jones, the family of 3 West at Bethesda National Military Medical Center, Dr. Mitchell, Dr. Lockwood, and the ICU team at Georgetown University Hospital. You cared for him with your intelligence, your heart, and we are forever grateful.
A visitation will be held on Monday, May 13,, 2024 from 4:00pm – 6:00pm at Loudoun Funeral Chapel. 158 Catoctin Cir. SE Leesburg, VA 20175. A mass will take place on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 10:30 AM at St John Neumann Church. 11900 Lawyers Rd, Reston, VA 20191
John Michael will be laid to rest at Union Cemetery. 323 N King St, Leesburg, VA 20176
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating blood or giving to the Global Down Syndrome Foundation in John Michael's honor.
The Global Down Syndrome Foundation is a public non-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down Syndrome through Research, Medical Care, Education and Advocacy. The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to John Michael's cousin Isla and the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.
https://www.justgiving.com/page/islaeager
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.loudounfuneralchapel.com
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