"It will be a superior picture, John said. "It's a very diverse potential of events we could be hosting in a movie theater. I think my legacy concludes here with our transition to digital."

He could have walked away several years ago, accepting buyout offers for the 135-screen Loeks chain. So why has he stayed, weathered a crisis of declining patronage, and not walked away with a huge payday?

"I believe in family businesses," John said. "The owners of these businesses tend to be very engaged families. I'm thrilled just to be able to make a contribution to my community. To me, it's more important than the money I could sell the business for."

Could it have been different if two of his three children had not chosen to join the family business? Perhaps, but he secretly hoped they would find their way to Loeks Theatres, Inc. Son J.D. now serves as chief operating officer and negotiated the digital projection deal.

Daughter Emily leads the company's IMAX, education, and community involvement efforts. She has brought in school groups and other outside groups and helped make the theater a destination. All his children have different strengths and each brings something different to the table. But he is pleased that some found his passion for the business and is excited that they are beginning their own legacies.

"This has been fun," John said. "It's really energizing."

And that is what he loves most about the business. There is always something new. Whether it's the films or the changing dynamics, or technological advances, there is always something on the horizon.

"Everything you do leads to something else," John said.