John Amos, known for his iconic role as James Evans Sr. on the hit show “Good Times,” turned 83 in 2022! Besides marking another year around the sun, the actor had a lot to celebrate, especially the love he received from his children. Despite the challenges he faced raising his children in an interracial marriage, John became an exceptional father who his children adored.
A Loving Father
According to his IMDb account, John was a father to six children from three different women he had been married to throughout the years. In each relationship, he welcomed two children. Two of his children, K.C. Amos and Shannon Amos, are well-known by his fans. Reports suggest that the actor was truly loved by his children, and they celebrated him by sharing heartfelt posts to commemorate his 83rd birthday.
Precious Moments Shared
John’s children often took to social media to share special moments with their father. One memorable event was captured in an Instagram clip shared by Shannon in October 2022, just weeks ahead of John’s birthday. The video showed Shannon asking her father if she could have a dance with him. Despite needing a cane to walk, John put it aside to slow dance with his daughter to Luther Vandross’ “Dance with My Father.” The touching moment was a testament to their bond, and Shannon expressed her gratitude for that precious moment with her dad.
Dancing with K.C.
John also spent quality time with his son, K.C. In a July 2021 Instagram video, K.C. shared a clip of him and his father dancing together at the gala for #SpreadTheCheerUSA in Denver. The joy on John’s face was evident as he danced without his cane, showing that age was no barrier to having a good time with his children.
A Father’s Love Knows No Boundaries
John’s journey as a father was not without its challenges. His interracial marriage to Noel Jean Mickelson in 1965 faced legal obstacles, as it was illegal in 16 states at the time. Shannon shared a throwback photo on Instagram in 2020, highlighting the beautiful love story between her parents. She discussed how her father, a Newark city native, and her mother, from the small town of Estherville, Iowa, fell in love during their time in Colorado State University.
Overcoming Adversities
Shannon revealed that, as a child, she didn’t think about her parents’ different races; she saw them as the two people who loved her. However, when she was five, a traumatic incident occurred during a cross-country trip with her parents. At an Arizona gas station, they were accosted by a white man with a shotgun, who used racial slurs and demanded they leave. Despite the hardships faced during their marriage, John and Mickelson divorced after ten years. However, the actor remained close to his children, who adored and respected him.
John Amos’s 83rd birthday was truly a celebration of love and family. The bond he shares with his children is evident through the heartfelt moments they share together. As an exceptional father who overcame adversities, John continues to inspire and be cherished by his children and fans alike.
