Thomas "Tom" Arthur John

We bid farewell to our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, friend, and true hero Thomas “Tom” Arthur John, age 75, who passed away peacefully on December 7, 2024. Tom spent his last three days surrounded by his son, Kelly, and daughter, Jenn, grandchildren, friends, and the wonderful George E. Whalen Veterans Home staff that adored and cared for him over the last 12 months. 

Tom was born on December 14, 1948, in Ogden, Utah, to Duane John and Beth Wood. He grew-up in the South Ogden area, where he attended Park View then Birch Creek Elementary, T.H. Bell Junior High, and Bonneville High School before enlisting in the Army in November 1967, where he fought for his country in the Vietnam War, 25th Infantry Division. Tom was athletic, good looking, stubborn, and an independent man that marched through life with a stern look, firm attitude, always determined, and routinely speaking his mind and beliefs openly, good or bad.

The Vietnam war forever scarred Tom, both mentally with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and physically when he was severely wounded during a battle that nearly took his life at age 20. Tom received the honorable Purple Heart and Combat Infantryman’s Badge (CIB) for his service and sacrifice he made for his country. Tom battled the impacts he suffered in Vietnam his entire life but used this as motivation to be the man he became and was known for. His outspoken demeanor caught the attention of many through social media posts, editorial pages, and Ogden’s local newspaper, Standard Examiner, where a special front page article was written about him, titled “Vietnam Veteran reflects on lessons learned from war and life”. 

Following his return from Vietnam, Tom married Sandy Lee in August 1969, later divorced, but was highlighted by their three children. His oldest and only daughter Jennifer followed by his two sons, Kelly and Eric. Tom cherished his three children, and his passion was to help them grow into great athletes across many sports and more importantly, succeed in life. He was known as the dad that was at every sports game cheering them, arguing with others in the crowd, and always videotaping every moment of his two sons. Tom created a video library that documented every basketball game played by each son. On several occasions, he stepped in and coached his sons’ basketball teams and was remembered for his passion and leadership. One of Tom’s greatest treasures was watching his sons succeed in sports, and more importantly, life.

After Tom returned from Vietnam, he received an accounting degree from Weber State College and began his occupational career as an auditor for the Federal Government Health and Human Services. Shortly thereafter, he accepted a lead auditor position for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) where he spent almost 20 years before he retired in 1991. Like everything else he put his mind to, he was successful—started as a GS-5 and less than five years later had been promoted to a GS-12. Tom also received several superior performance awards and the Service Quality Champion award as part of his tenure. Tom was able to retire at 49 years old and live comfortably with his 100% service disability and retirement income. 

Music was always a big part of Tom’s life which allowed him to clear his mind, relax, and temporarily remove the tragic thoughts, anxiety, and depression from the trauma experienced in Vietnam. He loved all types of classic rock and was remembered for listening to music like Little River Band, Elton John, Rolling Stones, and others. Growing up and throughout his life, Tom loved the outdoors and grew up fishing and hunting with friends and his brother Fred. He was a remarkable athlete, played baseball, basketball, and football in junior high and high school, and was one of the top athletes in all sports. Tom also liked to fight in high school and told story after story of being one of the toughest in school. People who knew Tom and would talk to both of his sons throughout their lives, fighting and Tom’s athletic ability would always come up in conversation. 

Tom always loved being in the mountains and spent a lot of time helping and supporting his brother Fred who ran a premier guided hunting business in Northern Utah, called Wasatch Outfitters. Tom had a unique passion and admired the beauty of the Grand Tetons in Wyoming and took dozens of trips up to Jackson Hole with his sons, brother, friends, and by himself. He admired the beauty of these majestic Rocky Mountain peaks and always had several paintings or framed photos of the Teton’s that he showcased throughout his homes.

Tom always had a unique perspective on life that drove his successes and failures—when he made his mind up to do something, he would always follow through. One of his passions was running. He ran dozens of 5K’s and 10K’s and pushed himself even into his 40’s and 50’s where he successfully completed two half-marathons and two full-marathons. His last marathon was dedicated to his two sons—he wrote a note on a framed picture of him crossing the finish line that said, “Kelly and Eric, always think positive, you can do it, Love Dad.” 

Tom shared a special father-son bond with his son Kelly, one filled with respect, love, and a unique connection that tied them together, shaping both their lives and who they became. They were inseparable from Kelly’s birth until his last breath. Over the last several years with Tom’s decline in health, Kelly was by his side through every step, spending countless hours with him at home, hospitals, and the care center. This bond will forever be treasured. 

His gritty attitude and spirit will forever live on and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. 

Tom is survived by his two sons, Kelly John and Eric John; daughter, Jennifer (Chris) Sloan; his special grandchildren, Braden (Saidee), Joree, Isabell, Alexander; great-grandchildren, Hudson, Berkeley; and nieces and nephews, Dustin, Derek, and Cori. 

He was preceded in death by his mother, Beth (Neilson) Wood in 2011; stepfather, Kay Wood in 1979; father, Duane John in 2014; and stepmother, Sharen (Farr) John in 2014; brother, Fred John in 2019; and his sister, Annette John in 1961.

The family would like to give special thanks to the entire staff at George E. Whalen Veteran Home for their support and true love for Tom. They respected and treated him like their own family, caring for him (even when he was stubborn), respectful, and more importantly, they loved him. On behalf of the John family, we are forever thankful for all the love and support they provided to our father, grandfather, uncle, and friend.

With respect to Tom’s wishes, no formal services will be held at this time. To acknowledge his honorable service to his country, full military honors will be accorded at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to George E. Wahlen Veterans Home in Ogden and / or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.