John Parm Carr Jr.

aka: Dad, J.P., Grandpa, "Papa"

and sometimes Jose

(May 1, 1923 -to- April 25, 2012)

John's sparkling blue eyes and humor could light up any heart or occasion. The rough-and-tough 7th of 9 children born in Cyril, Oklahoma, just before the Great Depression, he was without both parents by the age of 10. John, however, never gave up. He was the epitome of American "Can do" determination. Although mostly self-educated, he became brilliant in his occupation as an electrician for 36 years, mostly with I.B.E.W. Local #340.

Like his John Wayne movie hero, John was originally assigned to a horse calvary in Texas. He later received several medals in the Pacific Campaign and was a World War II Purple Heart combat veteran. John was fiercely proud of his country and the freedom so many fought for.

His true delight, however, was his family- especially his beautiful wife, Alice Allen, of 65 years (preceded in 2005). Great- grandpa John ("Papa") also adored his 3 children: Dianne (Bruce) Van Houten, John Parm Carr III (preceded), and Mary (Perkins) Carr; along with 3 grandchildren, Jessica (Jayson) Smith, Joseph (Liz) Van Houten, and John Van Houten. Additionally, John has two beautiful great- granddaughters, Ella Amor Van Houten-Mariscal, and Carrly Sunshine Smith.

John later added something else precious to his life: The gospel of Jesus Christ. He and Alice discovered the great love our Savior has for each of us individually, and in 1981, they were baptized and became faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

John will be laid to rest next to his sweetheart on his 89th birthday at Mount Vernon Memorial Park, Court of Honor. A Memorial Service will be Tues., May 1, 2012, 2 p.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Florin Bldg., 8580 Florin Rd., Sacramento. In lieu of flowers, please do a kind deed or make someone smile.