John Easa

Dr. John Easa, a dedicated physician and pioneer in the field of interventional pain management, passed away on July 1, 2023, at the age of 71. Born on October 24, 1951, in Studio City (LA), CA, John was the son of Alma Khoury Easa and Emil Easa, both of whom preceded him in death.

At the age of 10, John relocated to Shaker Heights, OH, with his father, while his younger sister, Sheila, continued to live with their mother. It was during this formative period that John's passion for medicine began to take shape. Following his high school and college education, he embarked on his professional journey at the Cleveland Clinic, where he worked diligently. He subsequently attended medical school in Guadalajara, Mexico which forced him to learn and become fluent in Spanish, He subsequently transferred to Medical College of Toledo (now University of Toledo College of Medicine). John started an Internal Medicine residency at the Cleveland Clinic in 1983 and subsequently transferred to Case Western Reserve and completed an anesthesia residency.

During his time at the Cleveland Clinic, John's life took an unexpected turn when he crossed paths with Patricia Persenaire, a fourth-year medical student. The couple's shared love for medicine brought them together, and they were united in marriage on October 13, 1984. Following their respective residencies in Cleveland, they relocated to Albuquerque, NM, and later settled in Tucson, AZ, where John founded an anesthesia group while Patricia practiced family medicine.

In Tucson, John's curiosity led him to develop an interest in pain management and interventional procedures. With a determination to become a pioneer in this emerging field, he sought education from the leading experts despite the absence of a formal fellowship program at the time. Combining his expertise in anesthesia and pain management, John dedicated his career to helping patients find relief from chronic pain.

John and Patricia were blessed with three daughters, Mary Catherine, Kathryn Elizabeth, and Anna Karoline, all born during their time in Tucson. In 1997, the family relocated to Holland, Michigan, to be closer to their extended family. There, John continued his medical practice, specializing in anesthesia and eventually establishing his own pain management clinic. Over the span of 25 years, he touched the lives of countless individuals, providing compassionate care and innovative treatment options.

Recognized as a leader in his field, Dr. John Easa was a long-standing member of esteemed medical organizations, including the North American Spine Society (NASS), the American Medical Association (AMA), the Spine Interventional Society (SIS), and the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP). His commitment to advancing the field of pain management earned him the title of Fellow of Interventional Pain Practice (FIPP). Additionally, John served as an adjunct professor at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine (MSUCHM).

Driven by his dedication to enhancing patient outcomes, John founded the Center for Advanced Interventional Spine Treatment, where he employed cutting-edge techniques to alleviate pain and restore quality of life. He was deeply respected by his colleagues, patients, and the community he served.

Dr. John Easa is survived by his loving wife, Patricia, their daughters Mary (Daniel), Kathryn (Josh), and Anna, as well as his cherished grandson, Noah. He will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to his profession, his boundless compassion, and his tireless pursuit of excellence in the field of pain management. Dr. John Easa's legacy will continue to inspire future generations of physicians, leaving an indelible mark on the medical community and the lives he touched.

A celebration of John’s life will be planned for a later date. Arrangements are by Dykstra Funeral Homes-Mulder Chapel.