In a heartbreaking turn of events, an elderly man was about to be evicted from his home of more than 50 years by his daughter when something unexpected happened. Continue reading to find out what happened to the elderly man. Having a caring and compassionate heart does not cost anything, but it can make a huge difference in people’s lives. Being kind to one another can be a heartwarming gesture in times of uncertainty and chaos!
You may have heard heartwarming stories about children assisting senior citizens, and today’s story focuses on a similar theme. John Jack Potter, a World War II veteran from Ohio, had no idea he’d live to see the day when his flesh and blood would abandon him. But when the tragic day arrived, he was shocked and heartbroken.
Potter participated in the Aleutian Islands campaign. In addition to serving his country, he was a former Sheriff of Vinton County, Mayor of Zaleski, Ohio, a retired B&O railroad chief train dispatcher, and a 65-year Master Freemason. Despite his numerous accolades, nothing could have prepared Potter for what was about to happen. His ordeal began in 2004 when he and his now-deceased wife gave their daughter, Janice Cottrill, general power of attorney.
Potter was suffering from a severe health condition at the time, and he and his wife made the decision in case their health deteriorated further. Cottrill was also entrusted with caring for her autistic adult brother, Joe, by the elderly couple. Another story you might enjoy is about a granddaughter who brought her grandparents to a new home and then informed them that it was theirs.
Cottrill used the power of attorney to transfer the house in her name as a gift to herself, much to Potter’s surprise. After Cottrill took over Joe’s care in 2008, the father and daughter fought over visitation rights for Joe. However, when Potter and his granddaughter, Jaclyn Fraley, learned about the deed transfer in 2010, they were taken aback. Soon after, Cottrill and her husband, Dean, attempted to evict Potter from his Zaleski, Ohio, home, which he had built 56 years before.
The WWII veteran was stunned and completely distraught as he faced eviction at the hands of his daughter and son-in-law. Fraley was also taken aback when she learned Cottrill wanted to place Potter in a nursing home. Potter allegedly attempted to transfer power of attorney to his granddaughter, Fraley, but it was too late to undo the deed transfer. When Fraley, then 35, saw the eviction notice, she expressed her displeasure with her mother and stepfather’s behavior.
A heartbroken Fraley revealed that she had hoped her mother, despite the family difficulties, would act with care and compassion and allow her father to spend his final days at home. Fraley was devastated when Cottrill took the opposite route. Potter and his attorney offered Cottrill $60,000 to buy the house back, but she declined. The older man admitted that he was initially hesitant to offer more than the house’s market value.
But Fraley knew how much the house meant to her grandfather, especially as his health deteriorated. So, in May 2013, she took to Facebook to share her ordeal, asking veterans and anyone else who might be interested to contribute. Fraley set up a GoFundMe page and asked people to contribute to Potter’s cause. Netizens responded positively to her touching Facebook post, and donations began to pour in for Potter. Fraley wrote in the post:
“My grandfather, John J Potter, is 91 years old and a WWII veteran. His own daughter is evicting him from his home so she can sell it and get the money. I am his granddaughter, and I am attempting to repurchase his home from his daughter in order to avoid eviction.” In addition to the crowdsourcing site, Fraley shared YouTube videos of her then-91-year-old grandfather telling wartime stories. The woman was able to raise nearly $140,000.
The money was enough to reclaim Potter’s home, with the remainder going toward Potter’s overall health and wellness. When she heard the news, Fraley shrieked for ten seconds before sobbing. Potter also stated: “I’d like to express my gratitude to everyone who assisted me. It wasn’t just one person or a hundred, but over 5,000 people, and I appreciate it more than they will ever know.”
When asked how much Potter’s house cost, Fraley declined to reveal the exact figure, but said it was in the “five figures” and higher than her grandfather’s previous rejected offer of $60,000. Potter was able to reclaim his home and avoid eviction due to the generosity and love of his granddaughter, Fraley. Potter sadly passed away on January 7, 2014, for his heavenly abode. According to Fraley’s Facebook post:
“Grandpa left us tonight at 6:40 p.m. to shine among the stars of heaven. As he slipped away, I was by his side, holding his hand. He will always be in our hearts, watching over us.” Fraley went on to say that her grandfather was the wisest, strongest, and bravest man she had ever met. Her heartfelt post was met with overwhelming support from netizens all over the world, with many offering condolences and encouraging words to the deceased soul.
Indeed, Potter and Fraley’s deep connection and love will go down in history, and we’re grateful to have met this incredible granddaughter-grandfather duo. If you enjoyed this story, please tell your family and friends about it.