John Judd

Biography John Oman Judd, 74, of Pima, passed away May 16, 2015, in Tucson following health issues which led to kidney failure. John was born June 13, 1942, in St. David, AZ, to Laren D Judd and Cleo Summers. He graduated from St. David High Schools and attended Eastern Arizona College and Cochise College. He was active in sports, especially softball. He went to Canada after graduation and was the softball catcher for his cousin, Ray. John was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served a mission in the North Central States. Before he was married his truck slipped on some ice in Flagstaff and he lost one kidney because of the accident. He married Sandra Hardt on June 3, 1963, in the Arizona Mesa Temple. They were blessed with 7 children. They moved several times in their early married life as John changed jobs which were always for the better. John worked as a secretary, rancher, farmer, part-time deputy and AZ highway department. He started as a corrosion technician with El Paso Natural Gas in 1967 and retired after 38 years. The family moved From Benson to Pima in 1969. After a few years they were able to buy 5 acres and built a modest home after the roping arena was built. John started roping when he was 16 much to his parents dislike. He bought his first horse for $75 and won his first money, $18, at a pioneer celebration. Compare that to his winnings at the Las Vegas World Series of Team Roping where he split $40,000 with his son, Troy, on his other son, Barts, horse. He qualified 3 times to go to Oklahoma for the USTRC finals. John liked riding the 4-wheeler and later a side-by-side exploring the country around the Pima area. He loved his family and they tell of his encouragement, friendliness, and love to them. He attended many ballgames and activities where his children and grandchildren participated. John is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sandra; children Bart (Yvonne) of Pima, Adele (Pete)Haymore of St. David, Shawna (Morgan) Brown of Show Low, Cody (Mike) Marshall of Pima, Troy (Jody) of Pima, Taryn (Mike) Lofgreen of San Tan Valley, and Audra (Clay) Mack of Safford. His siblings are: Larry (Opel) of Tempe, Clay (Eva), Bary (Carmen), Orson, Keith, and Robin (Mark) Deskins all of St. David. John has 28 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Laren D and Cleo Judd. A viewing for John was held on Friday, May 22, 2015 at 8:30 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Pima Stake Center with the funeral service beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment took place in the Pima Cemetery.