John M. Godbout, "Miracle Man" to his friends, took his last ride September 8th, 2026. He was born December 27th, 1936 in Missoula Montana to Edmond and Eva Magee Godbout. His family moved to Arizona, where he met and married his high school sweetheart, Sonja Cox, June 22, 1957. They were later sealed in the Los Angeles Temple. They raised their family in Southern California, where John worked for LA County Fire Department as a fireman and engineer. Once he retired, they moved back to their beloved Arizona. He loved music. After a short stint playing clarinet in marching band, he taught himself to play the piano, guitar, and harmonica.
He was well known to lend a helping hand, or a tool to his neighbors. He delighted in collecting at least 5 of everything so he was prepared if someone needed a bike, a wrench, a watch or a knife. If you asked for it, he had it. His children were raised knowing dad " could fix anything", usually with masking tape, ace bandages, wire, and a bungee cord.
He loved his motorcycles and was part of the Temple Riders. He served in many Church callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Whatever he was assigned, he always went above and beyond what was asked of him. In May 2018, He was riding his motorcycle and was critically wounded by a hit and run driver. Despite his many injuries, and a very bleak outlook, he fought his way back to independent living and earned the nickname "Miracle Man." He outmanuvered death many times in his life, and was known for smiling and humming or singing through it all. Dad, "You are our Sunshine."
He is survived by his wife, Sonja; children Terri Fausett, Mike (Marci).Godbout, and Tonya (George) Nixon; 8 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren; brother Larry (Cheri) Godbout. He was preceeded in death by his parents, brother June Godbout sister Aleen Crist, and son in law Greg Fausett. Many Thanks to Mike Lee, Brad and Suzanne Ipson, Gloria, Rita, Marta, Jose and the wonderful staff of Extended Family Homes, Vanessa and Hailey from MD Home Health, Tanisha and Jaiah from Bright Star in home care, and Teila from Sage Hospice for the wonderful care they gave him.
A public viewing will be held Saturday, September 19th from 6:00pm to 8:00 pm at Resthaven/Carr-Tenney Mortuary and Memorial Gardens , 4310 E Southern Phoenix, AZ. Funeral Services to follow Sunday, September 20th at 9:00am, also at the Mortuary, with burial immediately following at the Memorial Garden.
