John E. Walheim
Died Aug. 3, 2018
SUTTONS
BAY - John Eugene Walheim, 91, passed away on August 3, 2018, peacefully at
home in Suttons Bay, Michigan. He was born on May 12, 1927 in Leechburg,
Pennsylvania to the late John I. Walheim and Bessie G. Walheim (Hill). He was
one of three children and spent the majority of his life in his beloved
Pennsylvania.
In many
ways, John lived the American dream, enlisting to serve his country at the age
of 17 in 1945 as a radio operator in the United States Coast Guard. Upon his
return, John used the benefits of his GI Bill to earn his Associates degree
from York Junior College and his BA from Gettysburg College. He then worked
full-time and put himself through night school to earn his law degree from
Temple University.
In 1947,
he met a young art student who was to be his future wife, Camille (Evarian).
Together, they had many adventures, including “road rallies” in their favorite
cars and traveling along the east coast. They had three children together. They
divorced in 1969 and he remarried Janet Sussman in 1972.
John built
his law practice in Philadelphia - his life as a Philly lawyer came with many
colorful stories and characters, often joking that his life was a combination
of Mad Men, American Hustle and Casino. His specialty was eminent domain law.
In 2002,
he moved to Suttons Bay to be closer to family. He developed a love for
card-playing, especially Texas Hold Em’ poker, and it was at the card table
where he received the nickname “Gator” from opponents. He penned two books on
poker and blackjack as part of his “Gator’s Guide” series.
John loved
photography, keeping up with new tech, and jazz music. He was also incredibly
passionate about keeping up with current events, with MSNBC playing at almost
every hour of the day. He was progressive in his views and was hoping above all
else to make it to the voting booth this November - he would encourage all to
exercise their right to vote in his absence.
John is
survived by his three children, Matthew Walheim of Suttons Bay, Erica
Szilagyi-Norgart (Mitchell) of Naples, Florida, and Lisa Walheim-Seymour
(Ronald) of Acme, Michigan, along with his eight grandchildren: Katrina,
Natalie, John, Chloe, Jack, Julia, Millie and Trixie. He is also survived by
his sister, Jeanne Hamm, 97, of Radium Springs, New Mexico.
In lieu of
flowers, donations can be made in John’s name to the ACLU of Michigan, 2966 Woodward
Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201.
Please share condolences
with John’s family below or at our funeral home Facebook page:
I met Gator 15 years ago at the Turtle Creek Poker Room. I knocked him out of the tournament and was told by the table that he was a great player. Ever since that day Gator would call me by my name whenever I saw him. He always asked how I was doing and always took an interest in my life. He was such a great player and a great person to sit by. His wit was legendary. I remember being at most of his birthday celebrations at the poker room. He always spoke about his children and of course Philly. We will miss him dearly. My condolences to all his family. You were all very fortunate to have Gator for so long but I just wish we had him a little longer. Sincerely,Rick Birndorf
ReplyDeleteRIP Gator. It was always fun to play with you.
ReplyDelete