Johnny James Belcher

March 5, 1934 – August 24, 2026

Johnny Belcher, 92, of Spokane, Washington, passed away August 24, 2026, leaving behind a family who loved him deeply, countless people whose lives were better because of him, and probably more than a few home improvement projects still standing strong because Johnny built them right the first time.

Johnny was born March 5, 1934, the eldest of four children. He grew up with his brothers, Dean and Charles Belcher, and sister, Caroline Lawson, sharing a love of rockhounding, hunting, and fishing. The last of his siblings here on Earth, his family finds comfort imagining their reunion.

Johnny proudly served in the United States Navy in San Diego, where he met the love of his life, Wilma Summers. They married in 1954 and shared an extraordinary 71 years together. They raised three children in San Diego—Lori Albino, Larry Belcher, and Lorne Belcher—before moving to Spokane in 1979. Johnny and Wilma enjoyed traveling, taking cruises, and spending winters in Arizona with family and friends.

Johnny was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend with a true servant’s heart. Helping others brought him joy. If family, friends, or neighbors needed something built, repaired, remodeled, reroofed, or simply figured out, Johnny showed up. When his son Lorne needed back surgery, Johnny came home from Arizona and ran the family business while Lorne recovered. He never made a fuss; he simply saw someone he loved who needed help and went to work. That was Johnny.

Johnny is survived by his children, Lori Albino, Larry Belcher (Beth), Lorne Belcher (Patty) and former daughter-in-law, Dorinda Belcher, who he always made feel like his daughter ; grandchildren Darcy and Colby Albino, Ashley Bouchard (Josh), Johnny Belcher (Kendel Leslie), and Jessica Adams (Bradley); and great-grandchildren Abigal Bouchard, Lucas Adams, Richard Adams, and Brian Adams.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Wilma, and his siblings, Dean, Charles, and Caroline.

His grandchildren were among his greatest joys. Johnny gave them not just things, but experiences: Disneyland, a cruise to Mexico, church builds, trips to Arizona and Mexico, campouts, fishing adventures, and time spent with cousins. Those memories are now treasures, and they are grateful God made him their grandpa.

Johnny’s 92 years are best measured by the people he loved and helped, the adventures he shared, the roofs that didn’t leak, the things that finally worked right, and the countless times someone needed help, and Johnny came through the door.

There are people who talk about serving others, and there are those who simply roll up their sleeves and do it. Johnny was the latter.

His family can only imagine his arrival in Heaven: Wilma waiting for him, his brothers and sister nearby, perhaps a good fishing hole in the distance, and his Lord welcoming him home with the words of Matthew 25:23:

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”