Deametrious St. John, 67, of Canton, Ohio, was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. Born on November 12, 1959, he unexpectedly received his wings on May 3, 2026, in the comfort and presence of his devoted wife of 30 years, Dwan Gordon-St. John.
A proud 1977 graduate of John Adams High School, Deametrious continued his education at Kalamazoo College, where he graduated in 1982 with dual Bachelor’s degrees in History and Political Science. His passion for civic engagement, leadership, and community advocacy became the foundation of a remarkable life dedicated to service.
Deametrious was a respected political strategist and community advocate with more than 50 years of political experience. Widely known as a “Political Guru,” he tirelessly advocated for the right to vote and deeply understood the importance of civic participation. Throughout his career, he worked on campaigns at every level of government, including city council, judgeships, senate races, gubernatorial campaigns, and presidential elections. His strategic leadership helped secure victories across Ohio for numerous candidates, including former President Barack Obama and former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, along with many local leaders and ballot initiatives.
He also made history as the first African American man elected Vice Party Chair in Canton, Ohio. Deametrious was an original founding member of the Stark County Black Caucus and a proud member of the NAACP. His influence extended across numerous successful ballot initiatives, ranging from minimum wage advocacy to marijuana reform. Demametrious was also a proud member of Kappa Alph Psi Fraternity.
Beyond politics, Deametrious was a businessman and partner of Strategic Resources Consulting, LLC. He was also a gifted athlete who played professional basketball overseas for three years and spent a brief time with the San Antonio Spurs during the 1985–1986 season. His love for basketball later inspired him to serve as an Assistant Basketball Coach for Cleveland State University. He went on to create the nationally recognized “Midnight Basketball” program, an initiative acknowledged by the Clinton Administration for its positive impact on youth and communities.
For more than 40 years, Deametrious dedicated his life to mentoring and helping young people involved in the criminal justice system. Through owning and operating several youth group homes, he gave countless children guidance, structure, hope, and opportunities for a better future.
A proud veteran, Deametrious honorably served in the United States Army. His life reflected leadership, resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to uplifting others.
He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Ruby Campbell-Waiters. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 30 years, Dwan Gordon-St. John; his sons, Jihad St. John of Canton and Justice St. John of Canton; and his treasured grandchild, Vae’Lah “Nju-Nju” St. John. He also leaves behind his father, Eli Waiters Sr.; his brother, Eli Waiters Jr. (Robin McCallister-Waiters); his sister, Marilyn Arts (Marvin Arts); his nieces, Julia Butler and Jennifer Waiters; nephew, Jeremy and three lifelong special friends, Jerry Williams, Kenny Dowell, Thomas West and Jaladah Aslam, along with many extended family members, friends, colleagues, and community members whose lives he touched deeply.
Deametrious St. John’s legacy of leadership, advocacy, mentorship, and service will continue to inspire generations to come.
Funeral service will be held from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 pm on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Wells Of Joy Church Of God In Christ, 2056 Tuscarawas St. E. Canton, Ohio 44707. A memorial service will also be held at Warrensville Heights Civic & Cultural Center, 4567 Green Rd, Warrensville Heights, Ohio, on Wednesday, May 28, 2026, from 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.