John Ward McGlothlen

John Ward McGlothlen was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on December 11, 1952. He entered Eternal Rest April 4th, 2024. His deceased parents, George and Mary (Kennedy) McGlothlen, were lifelong residents of Iowa until later years when they moved to north Phoenix, AZ. John married Kim Marie Smith in 1992 and has no children.

His surviving “family” are the Smith’s. F. Sherrill and Barbara Smith, Ann Margaret (Annie) Smith, Thomas Smith (Tom and Stephanie) and Christine Smith-Brown (Chrissy and Mike), and a nephew, Thomas A. Smith (Gus). There are several cousins along with an older brother who may be alive somewhere in the Midwest. John’s cousin, Kevan Cameron of CO, treasures many trips and a history of their youth growing up in Des Moines. Duane and Barney of Cortez and Silverton, CO are special friends of John along with other residents of Silverton and Durango.

His Office colleagues at the Bureau of Reclamation faithfully visited John in his own home as well as the facilities where he later resided. Diane and Sandy along with Shane B., and Bruce, were among those that cheered John on during his end journey. John is a graduate of Iowa State University and retired from the Federal Government with 35 years of service in various Departments. Early years after College, John worked for the Parks Department followed by assignments in Colorado, Iowa, Georgia, New Mexico, and Phoenix, some of which were Department changes. As a couple, they made friends wherever John was assigned. His love for Colorado encouraged them to vacation in Silverton, CO as he did as a youngster with his parents. They had planned to retire to Silverton but in 2016 illnesses befell them both. Kim passed away in November of 2020.

John was a voracious reader and had full knowledge of Narrow-Gauge Railroads, Steam Locomotives, as well as the Civil War and many other subjects including a love for music, especially Dave Matthews, John Prine, and their Corgi dogs. He was a Hiker and one who exercised daily; did not smoke; had Jack Daniels on occasion; and a God-fearing man with an accurate memory for storytelling. As an extension of Kim Marie Smith-McGlothlen, it was an honor for the Smith’s and Brown’s to care for John during his illness and end of life. Fr. Reggie of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church anointed John early March 2024.

Each Smith-Brown family member took a special role in John’s care while he fought this cruel disease process of Parkinson’s-Dementia. Sherrill and Barbara took the lead, caring for all John’s needs and personal care, these last 3+ tough years. Their love for their second son, John, has never wavered. John has left a big hole in everyone’s heart, but we are all excited for his reunion with Kim in Heaven. A nurturing and caring staff cared for him at Oakmont, Scottsdale, AZ. We extend sincere gratitude to Rona C. and W. Louis, Caregivers at Oakmont and Renalyn, Yvenel and Roy. Special thanks to his personal Physical Therapist, Roger Venezuela, who exercised him Monday thru Friday. Many thanks to Dr. V. Evidente, MD, John’s Neurologist, and his wonderful office staff and Dr. Vincent Cariati, MD who was John’s Primary Care Physician for over 25 years. We are grateful to the Home Health Palliative Care American Premier and Hospice for their integrity and sincere Care led by Ms. Evie Justimbaste, RN. Their office help Angel, and Carla who answers the phone cheerfully, no matter what time of day! Gratitude to George, RN Hospice Nurse to John and to nurse Stephanie and all other team members.

John will be remembered as a brilliant, kind, respectful man who loved the outdoors and a good home-cooked meal, especially mashed potatoes. For all the Holidays with the Smith Tribe, John was the official “masher” for Mom when potatoes were on the menu.

Shadow Mountain Mortuary is handling the cremation. A Mass of Remembrance will be said later. In lieu of flowers, you may wish to choose a monetary remembrance to be sent to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 11001 N. 40th street, Phoenix, AZ 85028 --- In “Memory of John McGlothlen”.