John was born on February 22, 1945 in Vernon, Texas. His father, Lloyd J Selheim was training to be a pilot during World War II and met John’s mother, Jessie Mae Thrash. Later they moved to Iowa and eventually on to Denver, Colorado. John went to school in Denver and graduated from “Lincoln” High School. Shortly after he enlisted in the Navy as a Naval Airman AN (E-3). His service included almost two years at sea aboard the USS Forrestal (CV-59), the U.S. Navy’s first “Super Carrier,” within Naval Aviation Maintenance. He quickly excelled and at one time earned the role of Crew Chief for the F4 Phantom B, within Fighter Squadron 74 (VF-74) .
John married Judy Ann Huntrods on June 7, 1968 and were happily married for over 58 years. They were blessed with two children, Laura V Selheim and her husband Frederick C Scoggins and Christopher J Selheim and his wife Peggy J Selheim. They had five grandchildren: Ashley S Selheim, Anneliese P Selheim (Karen Tyburski), Seth W Osterwald, Braxton L Selheim, Lucas J Osterwald (Faith Tyburski); and step –grandchildren Madeleine A Dockter and Jacob C Dockter. They were also blessed with two great-grandchildren: Makai Z Cloutier-Selheim and Quentin Selheim-Tyburski. He loved his time spent with family and friends. He had two brothers: Steven J Selheim and Michael J Selheim (Pam Selheim). John was also blessed with many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-laws, nephews, nieces, cousins and close friends. John was preceded in death by his mother Jessie Mae Thrash, father Lloyd J Selheim, grandson Seth W Osterwald and brother-in-law Norman E Huntrods.
John was a professional automotive and truck mechanic. His experience was vast, leading him to become the Fleet Maintenance Manager with Kolbe Striping, where he retired.
John enjoyed many outdoor activities such as camping, boating, RVing and biking. He loved to watch NASCAR, auto racing, and enjoyed playing card games and other family games—simple, familiar traditions that brought them together for laughter, friendly competition, and connection. He enjoyed watching movies, especially westerns/cowboy movies. He enjoyed watching NFL football, specifically the Denver Broncos and college games such as Iowa State. He was a proud member of Local American Legion Harry C. Miller Post 1187 volunteering numerous times within the Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heroes Hall Foundation 834-F S Perry St #104, Castle Rock, CO 80104 (Heroeshallfoundation.org)
Help & Hope Center 1638 Park Street, Castle Rock, CO 80104 (https://www.helpandhopecenter.org/).
To watch John's celebration of life please visit: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c26094711224619
