John Joseph Victor

John is survived by his three children - son, Dennis Victor, and daughters, Kathy (Rick) Kartchner, Terry (Sterling) Pratt. 16 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Mae Christy, 1 grand-son, and 2 great-grandchildren.

John was born in Chicago, Illinois, July 11, 1934. He moved to Phoenix as a pre-teen with his mother. He was a plumber for 40 plus years and worked on many of the commercial buildings around the Phoenix area as well as homes of many friends, neighbors and his children. He had planned to become an automobile mechanic and after he graduated from high school, he took a job at a gas station that happened to be next door to a plumbing company. He pumped gas for the company’s vehicles and one day the owner, W.D. Manor, asked if he knew anyone who would like to be a plumber. “I didn’t have any idea about plumbing except that it’s another form of mechanical work,” he told them, “But I thought I would give it a whirl.” In 1953 he began his apprenticeship. It was at this same gas station that he met his future wife, Shirley Mae Christy. They married September 26, 1953.

John also loved the outdoors, tinkering in his workshop, and working on his vehicles. He enjoyed playing basketball and his grand-children have fond memories of playing with him in his back yard. He built a family cabin in Mormon Lake which is still a much enjoyed get-a-way for family members. John was always there to help relatives and friends whenever he could.

John was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in various callings in the ward. He was always one of the first to see a need and to answer the call to help. He and Shirley joined the Church in 1963, and belonged to the Phoenix Eighth Ward – which never changed until he moved to Mesa with his daughter after Shirley’s passing.

There will be a viewing held on Saturday, July 27, 2019, from 9-10 a.m. at Al Moore Grimshaw Mortuary, 710 West Bethany Home Road, Phoenix, Arizona. Followed by Grave Dedication at 11 a.m. at Resthaven Park Cemetery, 6290 West Northern Ave, Glendale, Arizona.