John Jay Gathman

John was born at home to Floyd and Mildred Gathman on August 18, 1942 near Arrowsmith, a farming community of about 300 people in central Illinois. He grew up on his family's 400 acre farm raising registered Guernsey and Shorthorn cattle, horses, sheep, pigs, chickens, corn, popcorn, soybeans, other numerous crops, and a large garden.

Joining John in his family were his brother, Franklin, and sister, Nancy. The whole family was involved in 4-H with John showing livestock and other products at the McLean County and Illinois state fairs. After high school, John attended what it now Illinois State University, graduating with a Master's Degree. He began his career teaching high school social studies in Lincoln, Illinois for 4 years.

In 1966, he met his wife, Linda, who was a student at ISU. They married in 1967, and moved to Longmont, Colorado upon Linda's graduation in 1969. In 1971, their son, Chris, was born.

John taught at Northglenn High School from 1969 until retirement in 2000. While at Northglenn, John wore many hats, primarily teaching American History and Psychology. Over the years, he also announced football games, was district Social Studies coordinator and department chair, coached flag football, advised students in the Model U.N. program and International Relations Club, and made many lifelong friendships.

John was a kind and helpful person who loved traveling. He and Linda visited 49 of the 50 states. They also traveled extensively in Europe, with John navigating UK roads with a stick shift on the "wrong" side of the road. He claimed it was easier for a left handed person. Chris joined them on many trips over the years.

After retirement from Northglenn, John taught part-time at Front Range Community College for 7 years, retiring in 2008. He also volunteered at the OUR Center in Longmont.

John enjoyed movies with the movie group, reading and discussing with the book group, attending plays at the Denver Center, red wine, opera, and getting together with family and friends. He was loved and admired, and will be missed by many.

John is survived by Linda, his son, Christopher of Greeley, his sister, Nancy Jones (Bill) of Springfield, MO, and his brother, Frank Gathman of Severna Park, MD. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews in Illinois, Maryland, Texas, Kansas, Virginia, and Indiana. Preceding John in death were his parents, a niece, Amy Gathman, and a nephew, Dannon Mishler.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John's name to the OUR Center, 220 Collyer Street, Longmont, CO 80501, or a charity of your choice. The OUR Center is a community-based, non-sectarian Family Resource Center serving the St. Vrain Valley.

A Celebration of Life and Reception will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026 at 02:00 PM at Howe Mortuary & Crematory, located at 439 Coffman Street, Longmont, Colorado. A livestream of John's service will be available at www.ckpmediaservices.com/johngathman .

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