John Aaron Bolding

John Aaron Bolding, 58, of Spring, Texas passed away peacefully on October 31, 2021 in the presence of his family. John was born on April 28, 1963 in Medford, Oregon to John and Ruth (Friedman) Bolding and raised in Seattle, Washington. In 1981, he graduated from Ingraham High School, then went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Washington State University in 1986. In 1992, John happily married Betsy Wiley in Seattle, Washington, where they lived and raised their only child, Elicia, to whom he was devoted.

As a youth, John was active in the Boy Scouts, then later joined the University of Washington Police Explorer program. In high school, he developed a love of dancing and joined the Jeans N Queens Square Dance Club, where he became a champion square and round dancer. John was also proud of his family’s Masonic heritage and served as Master of Greenwood Lodge #253, where he was a lifetime member, and Associate Guardian of Job’s Daughters, Bethel #41, both in Seattle, Washington. Growing up with a love of travel, he visited almost every state in the United States and traveled around the globe, both with family and friends, and the military.

John deeply loved his family, community and country. He enjoyed making people laugh and it came easy for him. He was an avid Seattle Seahawks and Mariners fan and loved cheering on the home teams with family and friends, even after relocating to Texas. In 2017, he retired from the University of Washington Police Department and then went on to retire from the United States Army in 2021. He truly enjoyed serving our country for over 25 years and was among the elite to graduate from the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy in 2018. Ever so humble, when thanked for his service, he would always respond, “It’s my honor”. John and Betsy then relocated to Spring, Texas to be closer to their daughter and son-in-law, where John worked for the City of Houston as an Analyst at the Houston Police Department. More recently, John continued to show his patriotism and took great pride in his participation with the Southeast Texas Patriot Guard Riders.

John was preceded in death by his mom, Ruth; sister, Barbara McCauley and nephew, Christopher McCauley. He left behind his wife of 29 years, Betsy; daughter, Elicia Teague (Shane); dad, John; brothers James (Jennifer) and Robert and sisters, Linda Mock (Mike) and Ann Smith (Tod) as well as their families and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Braden Bailess Memorial Foundation in John’s memory.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021 at 2 p.m., Forest Park – The Woodlands Funeral Home.

A second Celebration of Life will be held in Washington on Sunday, December 5, 2021 at Noon, Greenwood Masonic Lodge, Seattle.