John Howard Pepper

John Howard Pepper

 04/07/1959 - 03/31/2024

John Howard Pepper, 64, passed away at home on March 31, 2024. 

John was born on April 7, 1959, at Fort Meade, Maryland, to James and Cherry Pepper.  Due to his father’s profession, he spent most of his formative years in the Philippines, Okinawa, and Hawaii.  He spent most of his high school years at Lake Braddock Secondary School in Burke, Virginia and graduated at Buena High School in Sierra Vista in 1977, when his father took a position at Fort Huachuca during his senior year.

John met his wife of 46 years, Patricia (Gerhart) through mutual friends and they married in the fall of 1977. Shortly after, John joined the United States Army following in the footsteps of both his father and mother.  He served for five years separating in 1983.  He was stationed at Fort Meade, Maryland and Schofield Barracks, Hawaii (Kunia).  

After his service, John and Patty settled in Sierra Vista where he was a resident for over 40 years.  John was well known as ‘JP’ at Schrader’s Chevron station where he worked until it closed.  He enjoyed working outdoors as a landscaper for Carranza’s Landscaping. Furthering his interests, he also worked at Anderson News Company as a book/magazine vender, Coca Cola Company, and Hastings Entertainment store until he decided to become a stay-at-home parent.

He was an avid collector of sports memorabilia, comics, and coins and could often be found at Cleary’s card shop.  He loved gardening and sharing the fruits of his labor with everyone.  He also enjoyed playing chess and having existential conversations with friends and family.  He was well liked and was always available to lend a helping hand. He had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren and loved to spoil them with small gifts and treats and getting them involved with arts, crafts, gardening and collecting. John will always be remembered for his charm and playful nature.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brothers, Joseph Pepper and James Pepper and his best friend, Michael Ollis. 

He is survived by his wife, Patricia; his children, Jennifer Everly, John Pepper, Jenae Pepper (Donald Koon), Jacob Pepper; grandchildren, Chris Clarno, Melanie Pepper, Adilynn Smith, Garret Pepper, Halana Galindo, Owen Koon, Neil Koon, and Nick Koon; sisters, Jeannette Pepper and Jeanine Downey (Tim); sisters-in-law, Charlotte Nucci (Dan) and Carol Henson, and several nieces and nephews.

Interment Service, with Military Honors, will be held on April 15, 2024, at 2:00 pm, at Southern Arizona Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, located at 1300 South Buffalo Soldier Trail, Sierra Vista, Arizona.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Howard Pepper, please visit our floral store.