of Little Rock, AR
September 1, 2009 - January 28, 2025
John Allen Staats, a deeply beloved son, brother, grandson, and cousin, 15, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away on January 28, 2025.
John was born to Shauna and Ray Staats in 2009. He was a freshman at Catholic High School for Boys in Little Rock, where he participated in JROTC and was a member of the football team. He was a talented athlete and musician, participating on the Little Rock Dolphins swim team and playing violin with the Arkansas Symphony Youth Ensemble for several years. He has also played piano since he was six and he loved to snow-ski. When John sketched, the lines he drew flew so naturally and the portrait came out so vividly. His art instructor once commented that John was born an artist.
John had a very kind heart. He was sweet, witty, had a strong sense of pride, and sometimes could be stubborn. He had an adventurous personality, easily making friends and loved to make people laugh. His bright smile and sparkling personality lit up the room when he entered. He enjoyed spending time with friends and traveling with his family. "John was always there when he was needed," said his friends. He placed his footprints in many states in the United States, along with different countries abroad.
John is survived by his parents, Shauna and Ray Staats of Little Rock, Arkansas; his brother, Charles of the home; sisters, Christin Staats (Jason) of Fort Smith, Arkansas and Heidi Jordan (Chris) of Stuttgart, Arkansas; as well as his maternal grandmother, Popo; aunt, Sherry (Yan); his cousin, Chris in China and countless friends, neighbors and classmates. He was preceded in death by his dear grandfather Gonggong in China.
Visitation will be Saturday, February 8th at 1:00 p.m. followed by funeral services at 2:30 p.m., both at Pleasant Valley Church of Christ, 10900 N Rodney Parham Rd, Little Rock. A committal service will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander.
An additional visitation will be held on Friday, February 7th from 12:30 to 5:00 p.m. at Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Little Rock.
Flowers may be sent to Roller-Owens Funeral Home in North Little Rock.
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56 Condolence(s)
Saptak ghorai
Friday, February 7, 2025
LLJ
priya mendiratta
Friday, February 7, 2025
Dear Shauna, Ray and Charles.
Words cannot fully express the deep sorrow we feel for the loss of Dear John. The news of his passing has left all of our hearts heavy, and we can only imagine the depth of your grief. Losing someone so young, with so much life ahead of him, is an unimaginable pain that no words can ease.
John was not just a classmate to Pia and Pranav, he was a cherished friend whose warmth, kindness, and vibrant spirit touched their lives deeply. His laughter, his friendship, and the memories they shared will forever hold a special place in their hearts.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this incredibly difficult time. May you find strength in the love and support of those around you, and may the beautiful memories of John bring some comfort to your hearts.
We are here for you, always.
With deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences,
Dr Priya Mendiratta Dr Parthak, Prodhan, Pia, Pranav and Pallavi.
TaNessa Robinson
Friday, February 7, 2025
My dear, John John. So precious and sweet. You will always be remembered by that sweet little Prek face. It was my pleasure being your teacher at St. James Learning Center. You were a very bright light and sunshine on a cloudy day. You were a big part of helping me through one of the darkest times in my life, even as a little person, with your thoughts, prayers, and sweet drawings. I will cherish the times we got share. Praying for you, Shauna, Ray, and Charles and the family.
Aaron Liu
Friday, February 7, 2025
Much love. Praying for you all. God has and will always have His arms wrapped around him.
Amy Zhang
Thursday, February 6, 2025
Keeping your family in my prayers during this most difficult time. May God surround and comfort you all.
Dianne Garrison
Thursday, February 6, 2025
John, Some day we'll know why Jesus came and took your hand to take you home at such a young age. Until we see you there, enjoy your journey.
Susan Kelso
Thursday, February 6, 2025
Shauna and family,
I am deeply saddened by the loss of your son John. I can't imagine what you all are going through. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you and your family find peace, comfort and strength.
Teri Hunt
Thursday, February 6, 2025
Dearest Shauna,
I am holding you and your family in my thoughts and prayers, asking for the comfort and peace that only God can bring during this difficult time. Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss.
~Teri
Terri Maier
Thursday, February 6, 2025
Keeping your family in my prayers during this most difficult time. May God surround and comfort you all.
Aailyah hegwood
Thursday, February 6, 2025
Forever my little brother LLJ
Sholey
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
John I miss you. My heart is hurting. My favorite thing about John was his love for Jesus. John I'll miss you.
Ouchun Cai
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Im so sorry for what happened, it seems like just a couple days ago we were skiing and watching TV at colorado. I find it hard to understand. Its truly heartbreaking how young you were and the way things happened is just devastating. I remember art class together but you won’t ever have it again. All of your old teachers miss you a lot, we’re praying for your family and close ones. Rest in peace John.
Jackson Glenn
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Praying for comfort for your family, friends, and our school family.
You are missed.
Pranav Prodhan
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
John was a great friend and a great person. I met John and Charles in our 5th grade zoom class, and remember having fun moments with him. We grew closer in middle school in the classes we had together and when we hung out and just messed around and had fun. John was a funny guy, who always made me laugh, even when I felt sad. I will always remember him, and I will forever cherish the fun moments we had together.
Xiomara Bunting
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
To the Staats family,
Thank you for allowing the teachers at Pinnacle View to teach your children. I'm so sorry for the loss and can't imagine the pain. Wishing your family strength and comfort through this difficult time.
Xiomara Bunting
Joseph
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Miss him.
Sara Patel
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Dear Shauna, I am deeply heartbroken by the loss of your precious John. Please accept my sincerest condolences during this unimaginable time. I pray that you find strength in the cherished memories you shared with him and comfort in the love and support surrounding you. May his beautiful spirit always live on in your heart. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Mateo Mullins
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
English will never be the same and I will keep your family in my prayers. LLJS
Jonah White
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
I'm praying that everyone who was close to John heals from this tragic event. LLJ
Rick & Cindy Hefley
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
No parent should have loose their child. Ray Staats and I are first cousins. My heart goes out to you at this time. My prayers go out to you all.
sam
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
I miss my brudda
Sarah Wang
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Staats family, I am so sorry for your loss. John was an amazing person and I am absolutely heartbroken that his life ended before it could even really begin. You are in my thoughts and I hope you can find some comfort and peace as time goes on.
Yin Hildesheim
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Dear Staats family, I wish the clock would be turned back and nothing would happen! My heart was aching for you and with you! May God heal your family! May God take away the pain and the anger!
Debbie and Steve McElroy
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Our hearts are broken and we pray that God gives your family strength and guidance.
Rhonda and Jim Edwards
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
To Shauna, Ray, and Charles, we love you and are so sad about this tragedy. We will miss John, and can’t comprehend the depth of this loss. We always just enjoyed watching posts of the boys growing up and admiring what fine young men they are becoming. Words do not adequately convey the grief we feel, and our sorrow that there seems no way to help ease your pain. But please know we’re here and we share in your sorrow.
Debbie and Addison Ray
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Addison and I have you in our prayers. We talked about the last time we ran into you, John and Charles at Academy Sports. Addison remembers the water jug the boys like that you all gave her for volleyball and the times we brought Girl Scout cookies to your house. I remember being pregnant together and all of our talks about how to raise our kids. You have a special place in our hearts. Prayers for you and your family as you learn how to cope with this tragedy.
Xiaoyan Zhu
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Sandra Butler
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
My sincere condolences go out the Staats and Jordan families. To lose a loved one is always hard, but to lose someone so young, so vibrant and full of life is undoubtedly a true tragedy. I hope that you all find peace and comfort in the days to come.
Gavin Falkner
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
John was one of my closest friends and he's been there for me countless times. I hate that this ever happened to you man. sad to see a brother gone too soon. LLJS
Oliver Garcia
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
He left us too soon may he rest in peace
Ali Zheng and Zhengwei Zhu
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Rest in peace! Dear John,You will always live in our hearts!
Allison Hudson
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Dear Ray Allen Shauna & Charles. I’m deeply saddened to know your family has suffered a big loss. Love and Prayers Allison
Zhao Family
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Since before even John and Charles were born, we’ve been family friends. In these past 15 years with the Staats, John grew up to be a great young man. From Great Wolf Lodge’s waterslides to the black diamond at Copper Mountain to the hotpot restaurant in Colorado to Squid Game bingeing sessions, we enjoyed every moment we had with John. We will always keep you in our hearts. Rest in peace John
Dax Haynes
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
LLJ
Matthew Spencer
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Luke Kline
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
LLJS
Melody Stackhouse
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Ray, I can only imagine. My prayers r with you all . Let God have ur burdens, he will lead u thru.
Richard Sanker
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
May you rest in peace, John. Prayers for you and for your family, Especially Charles.
Grady Ellington
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
LLJ
Holden Keet
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
John was a good friend off and on the field, he was funny and always helped people. Charles and his family will be in my prayers.
Jorge bravo
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
We miss you John, you left your friends, your family, your teachers, the ones who love you. We miss you dearly. The memories we share and that have bonded us will live in my heart and soul forever. We’ve had our ups and downs and it’s fine, those ups and downs have bought us closer than I thought. Looking back now. Looking back everyday during class seeing your empty seat brings back so many memories. I know you’re watching us, but it still feels like you’re with us. If I knew you would have left us that day, I would’ve told you how much I appreciated you. Rest in peace John.
Annie Vivaldo
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Jasper Strode
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
LLJS
Ryan Allison
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
LLJ
EJ
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
LLJ
Bain McLemore
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
-we had fun at football and workouts
Ashton Smith
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
LLJ
John ruff
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Ray Allen we've been friends since early childhood and Paula and myself were devastated to hear what happened to your son. Everything I read about him tells me what a fine young man he was. I hope and pray that you and all your family find closure fort in god in the days ahead. Please know I'll be praying for you and will be thinking of y'all. God bless you and love to all. Johnny ruff
Tyland Thomas
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Zaiden bridges
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
One of johns close friends and charles
Teddy Mangham
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
John was truly a good friend. Although he is in heaven his message with me stand forever. He truly inspired me to relax. His chill and funny vibe taught me how to not take everything serious. We had are fun. He truly put a smile on my face and made me laugh. I will never forget running cross country with him in Middle School where I became friends with both John and Charles. I vividly remember him telling me he was going to Catholic High. You always stood up for yourself, your friends, your family, and me. Wish you were back but god truly had a plan.
From a friend
Brogan Fountain
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Prayers to your family
braylon brewer
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
John is very best friend
Latoris Henry
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
I was one of John’s closest friends since 6th grade and I was told to sign up here to attend his funeral.
Will Robertson
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Love Live John I miss you and Love you man wish you were still here with us Praying for you and your family.
Noah Carter
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
A very close friend