John Cathcart (March 27, 1985 – June 22, 2017) was known by his friends as “Johnny,” created a legacy that will live on through the lives of those he touched during his lifetime. Diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of 12, Johnny used this struggle as a rare and true gift to all that knew him. He was an inspiration, a spiritual beacon, a healer and a teacher.
John graduated from Central High School, earned a degree in film production from Webster University in St. Louis, and a Masters degree in News/Documentary Film from New York University. As a creative and talented filmmaker, he created documentary films to tell other people’s unique stories of overcoming life-changing trials. He published his own story in Hotpants, a Memoir, and was working on a new novel called Gospel Farm. John said, “ My mission is to entertain, to inspire, and to witness to a mass audience, glorifying God and Christianity based on the way that I experienced it.” He volunteered to help other cancer survivors through the “First Descents, Cancer to 5 K.” “Angel Light Films” and as a speaker to numerous fundraising events. He said, “I want to lift people up that are different and tell their stories.”
John was a member of the Central Cross Country team where he learned life lessons about team work, deep companionship and the importance of working with others towards a common goal. Through long distance running, he experienced spirituality that gave him strength and the ability to persevere through difficult life challenges. He inspired others through his never ending optimism, his sense of humor and his faith. An award was created by his coaches to honor him, and to honor a runner annually who handles adversity with courage and perseverance.
Creating meaningful documentary films and music videos, John participated in and won awards at film festivals. He said, “I’m a storyteller. Whether it be through documentary films, video news stories or words on paper. I like to say that my passion is not just to inform people, but to impact them. My dream is to always be able to add a little smile to everyone’s life through my storytelling that they will never forget.” John wanted people to live life to their fullest potential despite their differences or what adversities they faced. He said “ Life randomly goes up, down and sideways everyday. That’s what’s cool right? Life situations are going to happen, good and bad but you shouldn’t let life deprive you of living.”
John fulfilled his God given purpose; bringing joy, friendship, encouragement, compassion, inspiration and love to all he encountered. St. Joseph is fortunate to have such a citizen who had such great clarity of his mission that impacted so many in a beautiful way.
