November 12, 1959 — May 3, 2026

Deametrious St. John, well-known for his work in political circles in Stark County and beyond, died unexpectedly on May 3. He was 67.

St. John was born in Cleveland, Ohio on November 12, 1959, to Eli Waiters Sr. and Ruby Campbell-Waiters. He graduated John Adams HS in 1977 and enrolled at Kalamazoo College, where he graduated in 1982 with dual bachelor’s degrees in history and political science. His passion for civic engagement and community advocacy laid the foundation of a remarkable life dedicated to service.

He worked for nearly half a century to carve out a niche as a political strategist and community advocate. He worked on campaigns at every level of government, including city council, judgeships, senate races, and the successful candidacies of former President Barack Obama and former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, along with many local leaders and ballot initiatives.

As a businessman, Deametrious owned and operated several group homes. He was a partner of the political consulting firm Strategic Resources Consulting, LLC.

Deametrious made history as the first African American man elected Vice Party Chair of the Stark County Democratic Party. He was a founding member of the Stark County Black Caucus. He was also a proud member of the NAACP and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, and a US military veteran.

A gifted athlete who played professional basketball overseas for three years, he spent a brief time with the San Antonio Spurs during the 1985-86 season. He served for a time as an assistant basketball coach for Cleveland State University.

Deametrious was preceded in death by his 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; his treasured grandchild, Vae’Lah “Nju-Nju” St. John; his father, Eli Waiters Sr.; his brother, Eli Waiters Jr. (Robin McCallister-Waiters); his sister, Marilyn Arts (Marvin Arts); nieces Julia Butler and Jennifer Waiters; nephew, Jeremy; four special lifelong friends, Jerry Williams, Kenny Dowell, Thomas West and Jaladah Aslam; and a host of extended family members and friends.

A funeral service was held Saturday, May 23, at Wells Of Joy Church Of God In Christ, 2056 Tuscarawas St. E. Canton, Ohio 44707. Arrangements were entrusted to Sommerville Funeral Services. A memorial service will also be held at Warrensville Heights Civic & Cultural Center, 4567 Green Rd, Warrensville Heights, Ohio, on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 6p-8p.

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