John taught the world how to be a genuinely good man and the importance of giving back to his community. He showed us his undying love for the sport of figure skating. John’s sense of humor and his ability to brighten the mood through comic relief was always perfect. No one was more gracious and humble in victory or defeat. John was the epitome of a good sportsman, he loved his family and friends more than anything and he was loyal to the end. His true colors never changed from television to real life and his truest of friends knew this. John was a beautiful soul, a gentle man, a faithful friend, a strong partner, a dedicated son, a loving brother, and a child of God.
He was born in Kansas City, Missouri and raised Catholic by his parents, Sergeant Michael Coughlin and Stacy Coughlin BSN RN., and his older sister Angela Laune. He was a proud graduate of Center High School. He is survived by his father Michael, his sister Angela (Ryan) Laune; his grandmother Nancy Holmes; aunt Margaret (John) Cochran and uncle Tom Edmondson. John was preceded in death by his mother Stacy; grandfather Gary Holmes and grandparents Charles and Rosemary Coughlin. He leaves many cousins, nieces, and nephews that he adored.
John always looked up to his Dad, a retired Kansas City police Sergeant, as the ideal man who was always was there for those he loved. He enjoyed watching the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs, along with his Dad through, thick and thin. John and his Dad were lifelong hunters, fishing buddies and bonded through their love of Kansas City.
John and Angela shared the deeper understanding of each other. They always supported each other. John will be in every coincidence and everything that makes Angela nostalgic. Ever since they were little, they enjoyed watching movies together and making each other laugh. Angela introduced John to figure skating. They loved sharing music together and both recognized that each of our lives has a soundtrack.
John began skating in 1989 when he was only four years old. Some of his greatest achievements in figure skating were:
US Championships
Two-time US Pairs Champion
Four Continents
ISU (International Skating Union) Skate America
Two-Time World Team member
Team USA international competitor (Russia, France, Germany, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Japan)
ISU Leadership
Elected in 2017 and then appointed as the first ever Chair of the ISU Athletes Commission
Served on the ISU Singles and Pairs Technical Committee
US Figure Skating Leadership:
Athletes Advisory Committee for ten seasons beginning in 2007 – 2008
Vice Chair in 2014-2015
Board of Directors 2015-2017: as x-officio 2017-2019
Selection Committee
Pairs Committee
Sports Science and Medicine Committee
Judging Committee
Coaching Committee
John was a mentor to many skaters and athletes. He was a strong voice at nine US Figure Skating governing councils. He helped improve the discipline of pairs. John lived at the Olympic Training Center where he worked at the front desk with a big smile and an eagerness to help anyone who walked through the doors. He was a popular “Ice Desk” analyst. John truly enjoyed being stopped by fans, for pictures and autographs. He always made time for everyone.
John’s final coach, Dalilah Sappenfield, whom he loved beyond measure, was, in his opinion, the very best mentor any skater could have wished for.
John retired from competitive figure skating July 29, 2015. He continued to coach and traveled with Gracie Gold where he helped her run the “Road to Gold” camps. He loved working with skaters ranging from grass roots through National skill levels.
John had a gentle soul and his strengths shined through his ability to keep his cool under extreme pressure. He was a fierce advocate for those who could not stand up for themselves and he never hesitated to speak-up for what he believed. John was a “standup guy”.
John took his own life at his home in Kansas City Missouri on January 18, 2019.
We are at a loss. The world is at a complete loss. John will live on in the hearts, hopes and dreams of all the skaters that truly knew him. He took pride in being an ambassador of his sport and of his home town Kansas City, MO.
The visitation service will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church, 425 W. 85th Street, Kansas City Missouri 64114 on Monday January 28, 2019. There will be a rosary at 5:30pm with the visitation to follow from 5:45-8:00 p.m.
The Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday afternoon, January 29, 2019, at 1:30pm. at the church. Burial to follow at Mt. Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Kansas City, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made, in John’s name, to Ehlers-Danlos National Foundation by visiting https://www.ehlers-danlos.com or Parkinson’s Foundation at www.Parkinson.org. Assistance by Funeral Advocates, LLC.
Dear Angela, Mike and family, we are truly heartbroken. We will always remember John as a kind, caring and compassionate man. Praying that somehow you find comfort in knowing that this is how his friends and loved ones all over the world will also remember him. Rest in peace John. Love always. Shea, Matthew, and Alison
Praying fiercely for you and your Father, Angela. May your find peace that John is resting with your Momma.
He has left a permanent and indelible mark on our society. John was loved, admired and respected. it is with my deepest condolences I offer to his family and friends and the ice-skating community as a whole.
John was charismatic, you couldn’t be in his company and not smile along with him. He loved his Dad and Sister and everything Kansas city and skating. I am heartbroken to see my friend struggle with his son’s death. John will always be remembered for his goodness and kindness. Sending prayers for peace and healing to Mike and Angela and all who loved John. Ellie Daniels, Staci,Blake and Scott Wood. Alan, Melissa and Kaitlynn Daniels
Living at the CSOTC for 20 years John was the most amazing, caring and loving young man that has passed through these doors…he truly was the marker for loving people and caring….he kept me smiling when I didn’t want to and I felt so much better for it. He will never leave us as we will see him in everyone’s smiles and laughter…praying for strength for you all..
Writing words doesn’t seem enough. There are no words strong enough to say how we all feel. I apologize, I will not be able to attend John’s funeral, but am there in spirit. He will remain in our hearts. He is so loved.
Dear Coughlin family
My family is so saddened by his going home. John played and instrumental role in our lives since he met my daughter, then 5 at an ice show in Vail,CO. He was a big kid and they became best buddies. A few years later we moved into an apartment above him and my daughter would throw her towns over the balcony to go “ fetch” them at John, and hang out with him, she loved walking around in his boots. He believed in hercthrough every severe injury in figure skating, he did pairs with he lifting her way up in the air, they laughed, they played together. A more real beautiful caring giving person I have never met. Our loves are forever better because he always practiced kindness. Love you always Jon ?
Our deepest condolences from the Ruiz family in Colorado Springs. We will always remember John for his contagious happy self and generosity toward others.He was truly a bright ray of sunshine in all our lives and will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
May he finally Rest In Peace along side his beloved mother
Our hearts are broken for you in your loss. Hugs, love, and prayers to your entire family.
My thoughts are with the entire family. He always made an individual feel like they mattered and that is something one always remembers. *hugs*
John was always kind and loved to help others. He truly was a leader. John’s smile was so infectious. We were so saddened by the news. John will be deeply missed.
Dear Mike and Angela,
Our family is so deeply saddened by the passing of your son and brother, John. He was always kind and spirited and willing to share his smile with all! The love that he was raised with was easily shown in how he treated others. He unselfishly gave of himself to help others. Our daughter, Jessica, experienced his caring and kindness during a particularly difficult time in her life. We know you are proud of John and want you to know how much we will always miss him and keep him in our hearts. Prayers for comfort during this most difficult time.
John truly was a gentle, sweet soul. There are no words to fill the deep hole left in family and friends’ hearts. He will always be remembered with much love and gratitude for making the world a little bit brighter. Our prayers, love and undying support go out to Mike, Angela, Ryan and the rest of the family. “Uncle” Bill, Laurie, Erin and Ronnie Fellers.
I’m so very sorry to hear this news!! Though I didn’t know John personally, I have many skating friends and colleagues that did. They have only wonderful things to say about John. I’m sorry that I never had the chance to meet him! May he Rest In Peace. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time!
John will always hold a special place in our hearts and in the hearts of the figure skating family. He will be sorely missed.
There are just no words to express the loss that this world has suffered. John was full of kindness, thoughtfulness, integrity, and was such a gentle spirit. My heart breaks for his father Mike and his sister Angela as well as many other family members and friends. May God grant all of you peace and comfort during this tragedy.
Praying for peace. Heartbroken.
Although we never met John, we know his dad Mike. Craig and I are heartbroken for everyone involved…we are praying for EVEYONE…so sorry for this huge loss but he now is in the comfort of Jesus Christ and is home.
My deepest sympathies and love to your family and to all my fellow skating friends and colleagues who are mourning John’s passing…heartbroken is the word I keep using time and time again. While I am unable to attend his service, I will be there in spirit like so many other of his skating friends around the world, and will be keeping him in my heart as I skate that day and always.
I have very fond memories of John – his kindness and ability to make me feel like I “belonged” and was a part of the group in our interactions when otherwise I would have felt somewhat like an outsider was the first thing I knew of him – I valued him so much as a friend and looked forward to the times our paths crossed at various skating events, especially knowing that when we did run into each other I would see his big smile and warm greetings. I will also remember how sweet he was to my service dog, Audrey, when we met and how much she loved him too. He was funny, compassionate, and I always enjoyed our conversations with his insights and humor. We shared a common love of skating that stretched beyond what we each did, but a part of who we are at the core of our beings, and it is always wonderful to connect with someone who shares your passion as deeply as you do. I admired him in many ways.
All the stories and memories I have seen shared keep him strong in our hearts, and I offer my small story to add to the voices remembering the man he was and his place in our lives. I am grateful to have known him and keeping you all in my thoughts as we mourn.
With love –
Sarah.
Sgt.; I was sorry to hear of the tremendous loss of your beloved son John. Many prayers and positive thoughts for you and your daughter Angela. John was a very special person and touched the hearts of many. God bless John, as God wraps him in his loving arms to welcome him home to heaven.
We are heartbroken beyond words for the loss of such a dear man!! John was such a sweet, caring man of great integrity! The World is truly a much sadder place without him! I remember when Nica and I saw him at Components camp years ago and Nica wasn’t skating pairs then, but John was so very warm and welcoming and you could see how much he LOVED skating and all the skaters! He was never too busy to stop for a photo or an autograph! He was always so genuine! He was the real deal! His smile lit up his face and it was contagious!
We are so sorry that this tragedy occurred and although we aren’t able to make it to your funeral, we are with you in Spirit! We love you, John and everyone that truly knew you loved you also! I pray that those that you left behind will get through this, especially Your family and De! You always took the high road and I know that De misses you beyond imaginable!! May you Rest In Peace now and May all of those who loved you also find peace. God bless you! ?❤️??
I never met John. But I knew him from one or two Governing Councils I attended. A great sense of humor, made me smile. I can not imagine the grief you are going through. A big cyber hug to all of the family.
Our hearts and thoughts and deepest prayers are with the Coughlin family as you navigate this extremely difficult journey. We will keep you in our hearts and thoughts. John was one of the really great guys and will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him. He was a bright and shining star from our small corner of the world. Rest knowing that he was truly loved.
So heartbroken over the passing of a truly wonderful, skater, mentor and person! May you rest in piece John. You will truly be missed. Prayers to the family!’
Good bless
John was always so sweet to my daughter Meredith and I. He made me laugh in Delaware and welcomed us so kindly when we visited Denver for a tryout Meredith had years ago. As a skating mother, I would have loved him to teach my children. He was still competing when my children were skating. Such talent and and truly a polite young man. Always loved and never forgotten.
To all who loved John, especially his family:
John was a beautiful bright light. He brought me many moments of joy as I watched him skate. As a coach, I saw his technique as flawless. He was excellent in every area of life. I believe there is nothing quite as painful and confusing as loosing someone to the horrors of suicide. I’ve struggled with depression and I know that very dark place a tortured mind can take a person. We come to think there is no other option. I’m sure he never meant to hurt you and honestly believed he was doing the people a service by leaving. I’ve been there. Be kind to yourselves. Don’t blame yourselves. The Bible tells us the moment we breath our last breath on this earth, we breath our first breath in Heaven. I’m confident that is where John is. Please accept my love, prayers, and deepest sympathy. May God comfort you during this impossibly difficult time.
It seems to me that the skating world has lost a very special person. After reading about John he was a special person. RIP john
In a bittersweet moment another angel has found their wings & has set off on flight,safe into the arms of God. John is a beautiful soul that will never be forgotten. My deepest condolences.
The first time my husband and I met John, he was wearing his usual KC red baseball hat on his head backwards. He had a huge smile on his face and so my husband struck up a conversation with him. (My husband was also a fan of KC). I can remember it like it was yesterday even though it was many years ago. John was so kind and welcoming to my family as we had just moved to CO and didn’t know very many people yet. John was this guy with a bright light inside of him, loving life and always positive to those around him. He was so generous of his time & displayed joy filled kindness wherever he was. No one was ever below him even when he was his most successful in life. We are so heart broken over the loss of him and we want you to know that we will be praying for all of you in the weeks and months ahead. ~The Kaloyannides Family
John was a close friend of my son Kyle. We remember him playing music in the basement of our home in the early days. He always treated us with kindness and respect, even when he climbed the latter of success in the skating world. He never forgot his family and friends from Delaware. I loved him dearly and am heartbroken at his passing. God Bless you, John, you will be missed.
John was a ray of sunshine on a dark day. His smile and genuine laugh always brightened the day of anyone around him. He stood up for the underdog and treated everyone with respect and kindness. He was one of the most gracious and genuine people I’ve ever met, never letting his fame or success change his strong work ethic and values. I’ll miss him every day. Xo
Coughlin Family:
I didn’t know John but seeing all this beautiful memories of him. The world is a better place because of him. Sending you my heartfelt condolences and prayers. May God comfort and be with you during this time
I was John’s 4th grade teacher at Indian Creek.. I didn’t see him much as he was gone training for his successful future in ice skating and did his studies at home.I watched him compete and was so proud of him. I also remember his sister Angela in the other 4th grade room.
My heart is broken to read of his passing. My love and sympathy to his family.
Sharon Goff
I was John’s 4th grade teacher at Indian Creek.. I didn’t see him much as he was gone training for his successful future in ice skating and did his studies at home.I watched him compete and was so proud of him. I also remember his sister Angela in the other 4th grade room.
My heart is broken to read of his passing. Love and sympathy to his family.
Sharon Goff
At a time like this, I wish that I was a more gifted writer. Your son and brother John was there for me as a true friend always. Always there for me. Always smiling. Always caring. Always compassionate.
We spent so many happy times together with many laughs and giggles. I think back to those moments now half smiling, half crying.
I will always keep John in my thoughts and prayers as I will you and your family. John was loved by so many of us in the figure skating community. There are no words to fully express our sorrow.
With love,
Paula Wagener
John and my daughter Laura did serval lSkating shows together. John told Laura to believe in hard word, he felt she could be a Star in skating and always found time to talk and encourage her,. His love of US Figure Skating was infectious. Our experiences with John were always very positive and meaningful. He gave her her first pairs lessons .RIP ?????