ForeverMissed
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His Life

Later Years

March 11, 2018

In 2003, John and Pam moved to a beautiful area called Sun City Lincoln Hills and took up tennis and other sports. John volunteered with Neighbors Indeed, helping his community with his handyman skills and always solving problems. He continued to teach remotely for many years, loving the interaction with students. John was a supportive grandfather, spending close time with his granddaughters Emily (shown here) and Nora as they grew. He will be forever remembered as a hard working and family-oriented father and missed by us all.

Raising a Family

March 11, 2018

John and Pam had three children: Heather, Jon, and Britt, between 1975 and 1985 while living in California. John spent his days dedicated to caring for the family, supporting each child. He instilled a high value on education for the kids, and always taught them to work towards their goals relentlessly. In John's final writings, he called his family is Greatest Gift, and echoed his desire for his children to live with the generosity, fairness, compassion, empathy, and responsibility he instilled in them.
One of John's fondest memories is of the 1987 Tour of the USA John took the family on in a 23 foot RV. The trip travelled from the SE, South, Eastern Coast, Midwest and even Canada before returning all the family safely and happily home to the west. 

Life in California

March 11, 2018

John and Pam moved to California as John accepted a faculty position at Yuba Community College. He loved teaching students and being part of the college community and running a "one man department" for 31 years. John continued to teach for many decades even after his retirement in 2003.

John and Pam also ran a successful motorcycle business (pictured) in Yuba City, CA, and John raced motorcross.

John also spent much of the 1970s and 1980s building houses in Loma Rica and Yuba City, working with his neighbor Mr. Fred Holmes on multiple plots of land.

Early Years

March 11, 2018

John's early adulthood was spent dedicated to his education. John received his undergraduate from the University of Illinois. Throughout college, the work ethic on the farm showed strong as he worked full time while completing his undergraduate degree. He went on to pursue a graduate degree in Nuclear Physics from the University of Wyoming. There, he met his wife Pam. After a short courtship they fell in love and were married.

Life on the farm

March 11, 2018

John grew up in Viola Illinois in a large family. He spent his childhood farming and spending time with his loving siblings. Those 18 years taught Jon inumerable life skills, and founded in him an incredible work ethic and love for family. He had strong memories of milking cows twice daily and joining forces with 6-10 other men to put up hay each year.