Jahangeer "John" Balarashti

Jahangeer “John” Balarashti, 78, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away on September 10, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born on December 11, 1946, in Abadan, Iran, and built a life filled with love, family, laughter, and friendship.

In 1972, John came to the United States from Iran to build a new future. He began his journey working as a dishwasher in Chicago before moving to Kansas City to learn English and attend college. After graduating with a degree in civil engineering, he returned briefly to Iran, where he worked for the City of Abadan. When the 1979 Iranian Revolution forced him to leave his homeland once again, he returned to the United States and built a long and successful career. John worked as a civil engineer for the City of Independence, Missouri, for 30 years before retiring.

In 1973, John married the love of his life, Sherill, and together they built a strong and lasting partnership filled with devotion and joy. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in December 2023, a milestone that reflected their deep love and commitment to one another.

Throughout his life, John was known for his warm heart, his great sense of humor, and the way he could make others feel instantly at ease. He carried these qualities into every part of his journey, whether with family, friends, or colleagues.

John is survived by his devoted wife, Sherill; his sister, Kia and her daughter, Nadia; his children, Jamie and his wife Ingrid, and Darius and his wife Janelle; and his cherished grandchildren, Meena, Jesse, Daniel, Leila, Ella, Anna, and Carissa.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate John’s life on Friday, September 19, 2025. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home in Olathe, Kansas. A graveside service will immediately follow at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Overland Park, Kansas.

John will be remembered most for his kindness, humor, and the deep love he had for his family. His warmth and laughter will live on in the hearts of those who knew him best.