John Myers Jr. passed away suddenly and peacefully in his sleep on January 12, 2011, he was 78. He was an avid outdoorsman, devoted father, hardworking and compassionate man that devoted his life to his family and public service. John's sudden passing brought great sorrow, but his legacy will forever be remembered by the Flagstaff community, Coconino County, his friends and his family.

John joined the Army when he was 17 years old and freshly graduated from high school in 1949. After graduating basic training, paratrooper "jump" school, and Ranger school he was assigned to the 187th Airborne Regiment Combat team in Japan. John stayed in Korea and Japan throughout the Korean Conflict and was discharged in 1953 as a "Buck Sargent". John entered the Army Reserve and National Guard. After completing two years of college, John was hired by Rocketdyne, a division of North American Rockwell where he was involved with the Apollo Project. In 1965, John was remobilized and was deployed to Vietnam with the 82nd Airborne Division. In 1969, John was sent home with injuries to both legs and was discharged as Sgt 1st Class. He was a recipient of two Purple Hearts.

John worked for ADT as a Alarm Tech from 1972 until he retired in 1996. After being retired for a year John began working for the Coconino County Health Department "Meals-on-Wheels" program, delivering meals and making friends with the many homebound people and senior citizens in our community. He really enjoyed helping people and visiting with the WWII Generation. John also was part of the animal emergency team at the Coconino Humane Association, he always showed great compassion and care for the animals and the people he came in contact with on a day-to-day basis.

John was active with both the American Legion, where he was a Past Commander and the V.F.W.. John was a Chaplain for both organizations. He was a member of Disabled American Veterans and the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

John was proceeded in death by his son Michael 11 months ago and was heartbroken. John is survived by his daughter Marianne, son Shawn and adopted daughter Linda, whom he had taken under his wing. He has four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial mass will 3:00 p.m. Friday, January 21, 2011 at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Military Honors will be immediately following at the American Legion, Mark A. Moore Post #3.