John Paul Espy III, 50, of Tyrone, passed away Friday, February 19, 2021. He was born in Altoona on December 5, 1970, the son of the late J. Paul Jr. and Barbara (McCloskey) Espy. On January 15, 2005 at the Waterstreet Church, he married Amy Smith who survives. He is also survived by three children: Tessa, John Paul IV and Lexi Espy; one sister: Jamie (Espy) McGlaughlin and husband Thomas of Elizabethtown; nephews: Derek and Alek McGlaughlin; one aunt: Connie Espy; numerous cousins including Fred and Ethan Espy; and his right hand man Russell Hamer. He was preceded in death by two uncles: Joseph L. McCloskey and Herman Espy.

John was a 1988 graduate of Juniata Valley High School. After high school, he attended Clarion University on a football scholarship and graduated in 1993with a Bachelor of Science in Business.

He was a self-employed farmer and owner of Espy Transport LLC. He was a member of the Lower Spruce Presbyterian Creek Church, the Shriners, and a lifelong supporter of the FFA and 4-H Club. He loved being on the farm, teaching his children about farming, playing football, hunting, and camping without electricity at the cabin with his family.

Friends will be received from 4-7 p.m. at Richard H. Searer Funeral Home, Inc. on Thursday, February 25, 2021. Private service and interment will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, contribution in John's memory may be made to the Blue Juniata FFA or the Juniata Valley Football Boosters at 7775 Juniata Valley Pike, PO Box 318, Alexandria, PA 16611.

Arrangements are under the care of the Richard H. Searer Funeral Home, Inc.