John F Limitone Obituary, Death: It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that we come together to mourn the loss of John F. Limitone, affectionately known to many as Daddy J. His untimely passing in a tragic car accident this past weekend has left a hole in the hearts of all who knew him, and the loss is felt deeply throughout the Tacoma, WA, community. John was not just a resident—he was a shining light, a compassionate soul who gave tirelessly of himself to those around him, and his presence will be sorely missed by everyone whose life he touched.
For those of us fortunate enough to call him a friend, the memories we have with John are priceless. From the road trips we took together to the many shared moments of joy, laughter, and learning, we hold on to those times with deep affection and gratitude. John was the kind of friend who always showed up—ready to offer support, encouragement, and kindness. He was a steady presence in our lives, always generous with his time and energy. His passing leaves us struggling to find the right words to express the magnitude of our loss, but we are thankful for the time we had with him and for the light he brought into our world.
John’s unwavering commitment to his community was evident in all that he did. His kind-hearted nature was not just a surface quality—it was the core of who he was. Known as a Leatherman, John’s love for his community was evident in his involvement with local groups, particularly the Bootblacks, where his presence was felt strongly. His contributions went beyond mere attendance; John was a champion for those around him, always willing to show up, lend a helping hand, and offer a listening ear. Whether it was assisting with events or offering guidance and mentorship, John’s presence never went unnoticed.
As a member of the Leather community, John’s commitment and care were unmatched. His compassion, kindness, and dedication to making those around him feel valued were qualities that endeared him to all who had the privilege of working alongside him. His role as a community ambassador was not just a title—it was a responsibility he carried with pride and humility. He showed up, always, with a heart full of love and a desire to help others. And as we now reflect on his life, it is clear that his dedication and service to the community were a testament to the kind of person he was.
John’s relationship with the Bootblacks was especially meaningful. He was a true advocate for the craft, always supporting and encouraging those around him. His stand at events was never empty—John was there, steadfast and ready to contribute. His presence in the community was not just one of participation, but of active leadership. He taught, he listened, and he uplifted others, always willing to share his knowledge and experience. His commitment to the Leather and Bootblack communities was a cornerstone of his identity, and his contributions to both will never be forgotten.
His passing is especially heartbreaking as we had just witnessed him step into a new role. John had recently joined the board of the Washington State Leather & Bootleg contest, a role he was excited to take on and had approached with enthusiasm. Just the Saturday before his passing, he helped set up for Coronation, full of energy and eager to learn more about the workings of the Imperial Court. He was filled with excitement and dedication to this new chapter of service, and we had all looked forward to seeing him grow into this role. It is a cruel irony that he was taken from us so suddenly, before he could fully step into his potential in this new capacity. Still, his spirit, his work ethic, and his passion for service were clear to all who knew him.
In his short time with the board, John’s kindness and willingness to learn quickly made an impact on those around him. He was an individual who believed in building community, lifting others up, and offering his support without hesitation. His heart was full of generosity, and he put others first, always. The impact of his time with the board will be felt for years to come, and his memory will continue to inspire those who carry on the work he was so passionate about.
John’s title of Washington State Mr. Leather was a true reflection of his character. This honor was not just a title for John; it was a symbol of the love, respect, and admiration he had earned within his community. He wore this title not as an adornment, but as a mantle of responsibility. It was a role that he took seriously, and it spoke to his deep commitment to the Leather community. His loss is felt deeply, and the void he leaves is one that will be hard to fill.
For those of us who were fortunate enough to know him, the grief of his passing is profound. My heart is shattered by the loss of such a beautiful spirit, one who was always there with a smile, a kind word, and a hand ready to help. It is hard to imagine our community without John—without his laughter, his energy, and his generosity. The loss is still so raw, and words feel so inadequate in capturing the essence of the person we’ve lost.
But even as we mourn, we also celebrate John’s life and the impact he had on all of us. His legacy is one of love, kindness, and service. He leaves behind a community forever changed by his presence, and while his physical absence is heartbreaking, his spirit will live on in each of us. John taught us all so much—about kindness, about giving, and about building a community that cares for one another. His work continues, not just in the organizations and events he was a part of, but in the hearts of all those who were touched by his light.
We will remember John for his big heart, his dedication to community, and his unyielding support for the people he loved. We will carry his memory with us and strive to live with the same generosity and compassion that he showed to all of us. John F. Limitone was a bright light in our community, and though his light has gone out too soon, it will continue to shine through the lives of those he touched.
As we honor his memory, we invite all who knew John to join us in celebrating his life and the joy he brought to our world. On March 15th, we will gather for the Washington State Leather & Bootleg contest, where we will honor the role John would have played in passing down his title to the next person. It is a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated so much of his life to the Leather community, and it is a chance for us all to come together in his memory. Rest in peace, John F. Limitone—Daddy J. You will be deeply missed, but your love, your heart, and your legacy will continue to inspire us all. Until we meet again.
