John Paul “Coach” Ames, 36, of Bismarck died Aug. 18, 2018, at Evelyn’s House BJC Hospice in Creve Coeur. A 2000 graduate of North County High School, where he was a football standout, he went on to play at Central Methodist University before earning a master’s degree in special education. He taught and coached football in several area high schools in the area. He was a member of Sonrise Baptist Church in Bonne Terre, and was a Master Mason with the Tyro 12 Masonic Lodge in Caledonia and Swords of Bunker Hill. Born Nov. 3, 1981, in Farmington, he was the son of Linda (Glen) Weiss and Corby Bates.
In addition to his parents and stepfather, he is survived by three children: Kayden Michael and Paisley Faith Ames (along with their mother, Christy Ames) and Abigail Faith Ames; three siblings: Julie Overby, Jessie Bates and Sarah Keen; two stepsisters: Crystal (Paul) Birdsong and Laura (Jamie) Isgrigg; two grandparents: Esther Bates and Verla Weiss; special uncle and aunt Bob and Vickie Carroll and uncle Eddie Ames; along with several other aunts, uncles, students and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Paul and Betty (House) Ames, Corby Bates and Filman Weiss; and a cousin: Tommy Baker.
A funeral service was held Aug. 21 at C.Z. Boyer & Son Funeral Home in Desloge, officiated by Pastor Mike Barton. Burial was in the Leadwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the St. Francois County Shop With a Cop program. Arrangements were under the direction of C.Z. Boyer & Son Funeral Home.