Obituary of John Artis

John Burl Artis, Ph. D passed away on August 2, 2021, at age 75 due to heart failure after contracting the COVID-19 virus. John was a lifelong educator, beginning as a high school teacher and working his way through different levels of educational administration, eventually serving as a High School Principal, Assistant Superintendent, and as Superintendent of Schools. He retired from his Superintendency at Dearborn Public Schools in 2008 and began teaching at the University of Michigan - Dearborn, continuing his life as an educator until his death with utmost pride and joy for his profession and his students. John was born January 9, 1946, in Arthur, Illinois, to Kittie Lee Artis (nee’ Keeney) and Homer Ralph Artis as the youngest of six boys (Horace, Jim, Bob, Kenny and Phil); and he spent his youth between Illinois and Wisconsin, with both places holding a special piece of his heart. In 1980 he married the love of his life, Julie, and they began their beautiful adventure together, shaped always by their unshakeable love. John is survived by his wife, Julie and his two adoring daughters, Sloane (Jason Thomas) and Mycah (Myles Talbot), as well as countless nieces, nephews, and other family members. John believed in community above all else and continued to be social and accessible to everyone, giving his love to all. His love of books, good food, lively conversation, and his loving heart will always be a blessing for anyone lucky enough to have known him. In John’s own words , “I am alone in the world, together with others.” In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in John's memory to the Grosse Pointe Unitarian Church at www.gpuuc.org.  Please share a memory of John on his Tribute Wall.