John Francis Roth

John Francis Roth, 63, passed away Tuesday, October 28, 2025 in West Des Moines, Iowa.

John (Johnny) was born on June 10, 1962, in Des Moines, Iowa, to John and Jo Ann (Dickey) Roth. A lifelong resident of the area, John attended St. Augustin Catholic Grade School and graduated from Dowling Catholic High School in 1980. John will be remembered for his joyful spirit, his devotion to family and faith, and the many passions that filled his life with purpose and happiness.

John was taught how to play chess by his childhood best friend, thus igniting a lifelong passion. He loved teaching the game as much as playing. John became a master chess player and a member of Dowling High School's Chess team that won four straight Iowa High School Scholastic Chess Championships, including the 1978 Iowa State High School Chess Championship that went on to play in nationals. John’s tournament travels as a child were spent with family and with friends as an adult. He held a USCF rating of around 1,800 and was proud he was able to compete with Experts and Masters. In later years, John continued playing chess in many clubs: The Urbandale Library, Franklin Library, and Barnes and Noble. John had a wonderful chess collection, sharing his love for the game by giving books to those he taught and to the Iowa State University Chess Club.

John’s other passion was dancing–any style, any place, and always with friends! He started as a youth, doing Roller Skate Dance competitions with Skate West. As an adult, he loved to attend live music events, including Valley Junction-Music in the Junction. He was always dancing near the band where his love of rhythm and movement shone brightly. In colder months, John could be found at Denny Arthur’s and other venues with live music. John’s love of dance and music also spilled over into aerobics and fitness classes. He worked, as well as worked out, at Seven Flags Fitness center making lifelong friends during his employment there.

John was known for his strong work ethic, friendly nature, and passion for everything he did. He received accolades for his great customer service at Hy-Vee in Windsor Heights. He also worked at McDonald’s and Casey’s, leaving places in spic and span shape. John’s greatest job was “Santa Claus” for photo ops at Capitol Square downtown Des Moines where he had worked in security.

John loved animals, especially cats! He held a special place in his heart for Black Cats that showed in his photos and black cat memorabilia. John was a dedicated collector with an impressive assortment of records, music CDs, books, artwork, and baseball cards. Johnny also loved good food, especially homemade dishes shared with family and friends on birthdays and holidays. He was a great cook taking after his grandmothers and tricks he picked up during his employment at some of Des Moines restaurants.

Deeply devoted to his Catholic faith, John was a member of St. Augustin’s Church in Des Moines. In his later years, John was an active member of Sacred Heart Church in West Des Moines, attending daily mass and events. John and his family were present when Pope St. John Paul II visited Iowa—an experience he held close to his heart.

John was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; uncles and aunts; and his cherished black cat, Apophis.

He is survived by his brothers, Paul Roth of West Des Moines, and Pete (Jen) Roth of Bixby, Oklahoma; his favorite sister, Michele Thompson of Boone; his beloved nephews, Casey (Maddie) Roth, Connor Roth, Dylan (Sidney) Roth, DJ (Gillian) Thompson, Tanner Thompson; beloved nieces, Skyler Roth, Sydney (Blake) Moore, Savannah Roth, and Amelia Thompson. Also left are many loving cousins and very special friends.

Having a lifelong illness, John was an advocate for mental illness, physical health and living in the moment. He made an abundance of friends with those he met in the healthcare industry. Family and friends extend a heartfelt thank you to those who took great care of him.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1627 Grand Avenue in West Des Moines, IA with a luncheon to follow at the church to share John’s love of food and friendship. A gravesite burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines, IA immediately following the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in loving memory of John and condolences expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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