Making a difference one life at a time!

John L. Meadows also known as “Johnny Cake” was born in Christopher, IL in 1949 to John and Lillie Meadows. He has 5 siblings in which he was the youngest. John grew up in a 2-story barn shaped house. As a child his home was always filled with people. As a family they loved to play softball and badminton. His family had two ponies and as a child John enjoyed feeding them corn from the neighbor’s leftover harvest. One of John’s favorite childhood memories is spending time with his dog “Bingo.” He would drag the coal scoop around and Bingo would jump on and ride along. Bingo was a playful mixed breed that always put a smile on John’s face. John also loved Christmas time, all his family would gather and enjoy each other’s company. One of Johns fondest memories was playing with the high school Varsity football team.

John spent his adult years as a Pastor, Traveling Minister and a Husband. John Pastored a church in Carterville, Illinois called God’s House of Prayer for almost 3 years. He was a traveling minister for 34 years. He also worked in various laboring fields. He cleaned airplane motors, Heavy equipment operator and would break down motors for forklifts. He also owned a craft shop in Carterville, Illinois. The store’s name was House of crafts. He has lived in; Napoleon, Ohio., Canton, Illinois and Portage, Indiana. While living in Ohio he played in an independent football league in 1969. While being a traveling Minister he also visited places like Kentucky, Missouri, Springfield and Michigan. His favorite place to visit was Michigan, the fresh air and fruit trees were memorable. He coined it the “Land of Plenty.”

John describes himself as pleasant and Jolly. There are two things that were a turning point in his life, the loss of both his parent and his 2 divorces. He said these events made him mature and forced him to grow up. He attributes prayer, knowledge and wisdom of scripture from the bible to helping him get through life. He loves seeing people happy and being around happy people. When he is dealing with something he prays and talks to God about it. John has been active throughout our community and it is our pleasure to introduce to you our Shawnee Spotlight, “John ‘Johnny Cake’ Meadows.”