John Chisholm

On a clear and crisp, early Texas morning, November 13, 2021, John Allen Chisholm Sr., of Tecumseh, OK, departed this world under a waxing moon just as nautical twilight began. Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather left us before the sun broke the horizon, reminding all of us that it is always darkest before the dawn. He was 74.

John Allen Chisholm Sr. was born on April 21st, 1947, to Maurice and Elinore “Kitchie” Chisholm in Globe, Az. John was the youngest of 4 siblings: the only boy. As a young child, little Johnny had a head full of curls and was due to have his first haircut. Maurice, who was busy working in his gas station, put off Kitchie’s haircut request. There was work to do, after all. Johnny’s mom donned him in his sister’s pinafore and sent him with his auburn-toned curls bouncing over to his father at the station. Suddenly finding the time, Maurice closed-up shop to take John for his first haircut. Shortly thereafter, the family relocated to Superior, AZ, where John spent his childhood.

The family relished in spoiling young Johnny, especially his dear older sister, Barbara. She remembers him as a bit of a pill who loved to tease his older sisters. One afternoon, as an early teenager, Barbara was hanging the family’s laundry on the backyard clothing-line to dry in the warm Arizona sun. Her brother was giving her a relentless hard time and there was no stopping him. Growing upset at his antics, Barbara dropped the clothes in her hand and ran towards little Johnny as he took off sprinting. He hopped a neighboring concrete-blocked fence, knowing full well his unathletic sister would be unable to continue her pursuit. To both of their astonishment, sister Barbara cleared the fence easily in her frustration with him and stood face-to-face with her pest of a brother. They both were shocked and simultaneously looked back at the fence, then back to each other, and immediately burst into laughter together. That is how their relationship was, and they remained the closest of siblings. Barbara remembers him as loving his family and having such a soft spot for his children and those he loved.

John had a charismatic smile and the bluest of eyes. With a rebellious nature and zest for adventure. oftentimes he hid himself and his motorcycle in a ditch in the early morning hours when he should have been in school. He would watch anxiously as he waited for his father to drive up Sunset Dr. and make the right-hand turn towards the Kennecott Copper Company in Ray, AZ where he worked as a heavy-equipment mechanic. Rebel John would then hop on his bike and cruise the open road.

John enlisted in the Navy on March 18, 1965, a month before his 18th birthday. He was stationed aboard the USS Iwo Jima (LPH-2) during the Vietnam War. He served honorably and always represented his service in a noble, dignified manner. John was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device.
John Chisholm and Gladys Rhodes had their first date at the drive-in movie theater in Globe, AZ on December 18, 1965, while John was on leave from the Navy. What’s meant to be will always find a way and on June 1, 1972, John married the love of his life in Coolidge, AZ. Their relationship embodied a resiliency that withstood the test of time and they loved each other tremendously. Together, they raised 8 children and were rock solid representations of love. Gladys deeply misses John and will love him forever, even though he was “a pain in her behind”. At John’s passing, he and Gladys were 200 days away from celebrating 50 years of marriage.

John Chisholm again embarked on selfless service by graduating from the Police Academy in 1986. He protected and served the community of Superior, AZ for ten years. During this time, John exemplified integrity as well as compassion. He assisted countless individuals, saved lives, even helping to deliver a baby in a car while on duty. John’s moral compass pointed true North, and he never broke character. Not once. He was an amazing cop and left the force as Sergeant.

The open road beckoned John to continue his career as a long-haul truck driver. John was an avid reader while on the road by listening to books on tape. He loved to call his wife, kids, and grandkids and was the most amazing storyteller. He made it home as often as he could, and as adults his children loved meeting up with him on the road. John had driven millions of miles throughout the United States and was awarded many times for his driving performance. John retried from his trucking career at the age of 72.

John truly enjoyed spending time with family and was very proud of all his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was a hard-working man who took time to savor life, reminding his children to always do their best. John Chisholm’s legacy will continue. His laughter is unforgettable, as is he.

Shade Tree: 10-7.

John Allen Chisholm Sr. will be so profoundly missed by his wife of 49 years, Gladys Chisholm of Tecumseh, OK; children Andrea (Darin) Wilbur, Tabitha Chisholm, Mark (Bobbi) Chisholm, John (Katherine) Chisholm Jr., Byron (Nina) Chisholm, Nancy Chisholm, and Chris (Jessica) Chisholm; grandchildren Casey Chisholm, Kayleigh Chisholm, Ashley Chreene, Rebecca Stricklin, Michele Stricklin, Alec Trow, Megan Edwards, Morgan Trow, Dillon O’Daniel, Reagan O’Daniel, Nicola Chisholm, Penelope Chisholm, Stella Chisholm, Logan Stancil, Chance Picart, Clover Picart, Luciana Picart, Karisma Picart, and Sofia Chisholm; great-grandchildren Charlotte Chreene, Remi Chreene, Abigail Mongillo, Hunter Mongillo, Cassandra Cobb and Alexandria Weaver; sister Barbara Sanders; brother-in-law Everett (Linda) Rhodes, and many other extended family members and friends.

John was preceded in death by his son, Eric Chisholm; parents Maurice and Elinore Chisholm; sisters Patricia Lasater and Mary Beth Seller.

A celebration of John’s life will take place on June 1, 2022, in Arizona, surrounded by the majestic mountains he cherished so fondly. This date would have been John and Gladys’ 50th Wedding Anniversary.