John B. Hammond

John passed away of natural causes on Monday, November 20th at Sun West Choice Nursing Home. Born in Artesia, New Mexico and residing in Peoria, Arizona alongside his wife, Sally of 45 years, John was surrounded by family and friends. He raised five children, Rhonda, David, Jennifer, Crissy, and Jonny, and is survived by 17 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

John had a full life. He started working at an early age and became a driller at 17 years old – which he was very proud to achieve. Not long after, he was drafted into the army and served in Germany from 1958 – 1960. He finished high school during his military service and experienced the tunes of Elvis Presley in person in the army mess hall where all the soldiers came together. During his time in the army, he worked as a mechanic on tanks and jeeps. He won several awards for the work done. He also handled the transportation of payroll for his army unit.

After returning home from Germany, John did contract drilling for several large oil companies and acquired various cable tool rigs. His first two children, Rhonda and David followed shortly after. Then, on July 7, 1977, he met his wife Sally while working in Rawlins, Wyoming. They eventually went into business together which led to a future of consulting in his trade and a joint family with three additional children, Jennifer, Crissy, and Jonny.

John’s career took him through many states for oil and water well drilling. He moved, on average, every couple of years. His family followed in his travels with the exception of Australia, where he worked for a short period of time with a Christian based organization. Due to his expertise and knowledge in cable tool drilling, he also taught the art of drilling in Spain. However, of all the places he loved most, it was Vernal, Utah. He was blessed with a home that could house all his cars and had family nearby.

John wasn’t a man of many words, but he was loyal and worked harder than most people could ever imagine. He believed in a good day’s work and the dollar earned for time invested. Having a few dollars in his pocket kept him going and gave him the cash he needed for his gas station candy bars, soda, and the occasional car part. Outside of the army and work, his passion for Ford cars only took second to his family. Over the years you could find John sitting outside, rain, shine, or sweltering heat, tinkering with his antique cars or polishing the wheels of his pickup. He took pride in his vehicles but couldn’t go a day without having Sally around. He counted on her most, especially to be his foundation when he was fighting the effects of dementia. She sat by his side every day to keep his mind anchored and help him when no one else understood him.

John will be missed beyond words. He is one of a kind and so special to those that knew him. John’s legacy is seen in his kids. He will be remembered for growling hugs, love of Fords, and the pride he had in his family, but he is finally at peace with the Lord above. He no longer has to worry about the things of this earth, and we can’t wait to see him again.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AdvantageGoldenDoor.com for the Hammond family.