John W. Stembridge Jr. "Tojo" was born September 10th, 1943 in Akron, Ohio to the late John W. Stembridge Sr. and Louise Twitty.  He was a 1961 graduate of South High School where he played football and baseball.  He served in the Marine Corps from 1961 to 1964.  In 1965 John began driving semi-tractor trailers long distance and retired from Aleris in 2008 with 43 years of service.

John was a devoted Cleveland Browns fan which he called his "Brownies".  He loved to travel and always made it a priority to attend the Stembridge Family Reunion.  John loved to be outdoors tending to his yard, cleaning his car or being a master on the barbeque grill.  He loved to tell old stories.

He was proceeded in death by his parents and his sisters Mary "Daisy" Scott, Barbara Bradshaw and Gwendolyn Trice.  Step-Daughter Joyce DeJournett.

John will be sorely missed by his loving and devoted wife of 35 years JoAnn.  He is also survived by daughters, Carla Stembridge of Columbia, SC and Rosita Lewis of Akron, Ohio; sisters, Geraldine Terrell and Catherine Madden both of Akron, Ohio; grandchildren, Summer Gissendaner and Wesley Gissendaner both of Akron, Ohio, Asyah Vinson of Columbia, SC, William Lewis, Brittany Lewis and Justin (Angeleah ) Lewis all of Akron, Ohio; Amore DeJournett stationed in the military.  Step-Daughter Charlene Bonner of Columbia, SC. 11 great-grandchildren, brother in-laws, Nelson Montiere and Troy Trice both of Akron, Ohio; special niece, Londa (Eric) Roberts and special cousin Theodore (Patricia) Dent all of Akron, Ohio and a host of other relatives and friends.