The Little Things He Taught Me
Small Habbits That Make Hobbies Last
Before I Met John
Before meeting John C. Lewis, I had been playing DND (Dungeons & Dragons) in Buffalo, New York on and off for several years, and only with the current version—5e (fifth edition). My friend Dillon was the one who first introduced me to the game, and when he moved to San Francisco, I started playing at local game shops through Adventure League (DND for beginners). Those games were fun, but after a few sessions I realized something was missing. Playing with beginners didn't give me the same satisfaction as playing with experienced friends who understood the chaos, creativity, and camaraderie of a good campaign. At that time, I didn't realize I wasn't just missing a game—I was missing guidance and a mentor.
A Fresh Start in Florida
Years went by, and eventually I moved to Florida for a fresh start. I missed DND, missed the insane adventures with friends, and once again found myself bouncing between groups that never quite clicked. That pattern finally changed the day I walked into M&M Games and was told I'd be playing under a DM with a "rather unconventional style." Little did I know how true that was — or how much that day would impact my life. Because that DM was John C. Lewis, and our friendship began in April 2021.
Who John Was
(Before I Knew Him)
Before knowing John personally, I had no idea how full his life was. If there was a hobby, career, passion, or niche experience imaginable, he had probably done it.
He raced stock cars
Filmed independent movies
Owned a comic-book pet shop (yes, both) called “Comics & Critters.”
Raised dozens—sometimes hundreds—of reptiles, including turtles, his lifelong favorite.
Being in multiple bands, including "BLACK VELVET"
He played in multiple bands for years. Especially with his childhood friend Phil, they still raise animals together on their farm. Their longest running band was a heavy metal band called BLACK VELVET.
His hobbies spanned everything from tabletop games (Dungeons & Dragons, Warhammer 40K, Call of Cthulhu, Starfinder, and his favorite, Hollow Earth) to collecting statues, toys, plushies, and miniatures from Marvel, DC, Godzilla ("BIG G"), Pokémon, Lord of the Rings, dinosaurs, and more. And then there were the comics. John had been collecting comic books for over sixty years. First editions, classics, rare issues he had a treasure vault anyone would envy.
Distance Changes Routines
Around 2022, John had to move from Clearwater to Floral City, about an hour and a half away. Wednesday night games became bi-weekly. Then the drive became too much, and he couldn't make it at all. Michael—one of our players—took over as DM, and while we still had fun, the table didn't feel the same without John.
The game still worked—but the heart of it wasn't there.
The Seven-Hour Phone Call
One day I called him, expecting a normal conversation, and we ended up talking for seven hours straight. A marathon call like that might never happen again, but it showed me something important: our friendship had become its own kind of story. During one call, I could tell he sounded down. He wouldn't admit it, but he said he felt "melancholy" because all his lifelong friends were nearly two hours away. The distance was wearing on him. So I made an offer that surprised even him: I told him I would drive up to Floral City to see him. He hesitated. "Are you sure? It's an awfully long drive." But to me, it wasn't a question. "John, the amount of times you drove down for us... I can do it at least once for you." So, I drove an hour and a half, listening to VTubers (don't judge me) and Google Maps the whole way. Honestly, listening to someone pretend to be an anime girl while repeatedly messing up video games made the trip more tolerable.
Arriving at His New Home
Pulling up to John's place for the first time was an experience I won't forget. He lived on his friend's farm, surrounded by chickens clucking, guinea fowl screeching, ducks quacking, and roosters crowing (all day, apparently). Turtles lived in multiple pens, with more inside. John greeted me with a hug and immediately started the grand tour. First trailer: guinea pigs, insects, reptiles. Second trailer: baby reptiles and an egg incubator. Then he led me to a small shed he called "THE ORIFICE." "It's a little cramped," he warned. Inside, my eyes widened. Every wall was stacked with comic books. Shelves overflowing with graphic novels, omnibuses, and game manuals. Tables piled with toys, plushies, statues, Godzilla figures, Warhammer minis — you name it. "Pretty cool, huh?" he said. "Yeah... about a third of this was left behind when I moved. Got tossed in the dumpster. You know how guys say, 'My mom threw out my comic collection? Well, mine happened last year at age 68."
Setting up the Gaming table for Another Adventure
Reflection
After clearing the table, he pulled out a massive castle-shaped DM screen with dice towers. We started our first one-on-one campaign that day — a campaign that would continue for years. My friendship with John C. Lewis began with an unexpected meeting at a game shop, deepened through long conversations, and solidified through small acts of showing up for each other. I didn't just gain a DM. I gained a mentor, a friend, and someone whose quiet lessons will stay with me for life.
Categories: Origins, Menteeship
Tags: #FloralCity #FirstMeeting #TheOrifice