While stationed at Ft Carson in the early 70's, I met John at Model Car Raceways, the slot car track. He, Randy Mcclure, Pam Wendt (Randy's girlfriend), and I did a lot of pro slot car racing there, and paled around a lot around Colorado Springs. They all had me over to their homes often and sometimes had this lonely soldier stay overnight or for the weekend. I miss Colorado and certainly miss John and our youthful comradery. Ron Byrd, from Tennessee . My sincere condolences .

I am posting as a Friend in this portion .
John was a True Friend & Mentor . We didn't always agree on some things when working , He was Funny and always Correct . Just fix the Dam thing .  Never held onto any stuff, always had Fun in the end.
 He took the Time out to help me in many ways after  we were Done working .  
I needed his Tractor to do Landscaping at the new house . No Problem . Had it for Two weeks I think. When I left  Murray Motors , John would call me every so often to see if I was Doing Okay . We talked many times . Even when I moved back to Arizona he would call me to see if I was Okay. That was Awesome as He was the only person who cared about my well being .
           When I had my Coffee Café' in Chandler,  AZ.  John & Susan came down to the Boat Drag Races at Firebird raceway for 2 days in November, 2005. Just my Luck the Manager was a Customer of mine and Took care of them and gave them the Royal Treatment and Behind the Scenes  Tour. Drove them around in a Golf cart  so they didn't have to walk all over .  On Sunday I spent the Day with them at the Races. 
I was Finally able to do something for John  & Susan . How can you do anything or pay back a Friend that has everything ,  wants for nothing .  Once in a Life Time to be able to do something Fun. 
 A True Friend , he will be missed .

"You are not my dad," one of the first things I ever said to him. When people think of John, they might describe him as a great mentor, a great friend, someone who loves cars and boats, and is passionate about racing. He cherished his friendships, although he would deny having any. He had a tendency to be a bit of a dick. But if you asked anyone who knew him 24 years ago, the word "father" wouldn't even cross their minds when thinking of him.
Then came my mom. She was the only force in the universe that could have changed that man's perspective. She managed to get him to paint and enjoy wine on a beach, and there is evidence to prove it. She brought along this little 6-year-old kid, me, who believed he knew everything and more, and the phrase "you are not my dad."was born. John, who wasn't my dad, ended up teaching me more than most people learn in a lifetime. He taught me how to ride a bike, even if it meant crashing into a tree. He taught me how to drive a car, even if it meant ending up in an accident. He taught me how to see through lies and call someone's bluff. Many of our stories ended with my mother laughing at us. He would ask, "Where are you going?" as I rode my bike straight into a tree stump. He would say, "There's a possibility you were going 20 over, but not 20," as I watched my oil pan lie by the curb after a jump. And his favorite line was, "There is no way you tripped and the lacrosse ball went through the wall... Let's see you do it again."
But in all seriousness, oh, how wrong I was. John turned out to be a father to me. He shaped me into the man I am today. Despite never really desiring to have a child, he became an exceptional father and husband. I wouldn't change the memories we shared for anything in the world. Now that you're up there, please tell my grandpa that you kept every promise and more. You took care of my mom and me for a lifetime. You were not just a mentor, teacher, and a friend . You were someone I could call dad.

Such a sorrowful sadness has entered out hearts and lives with the news that John has died. John always brightened our day with his welcoming smile when we would drop off our vehicle.

 We did intuit from  the first time we met him that he was a man of integrity , character  , professional expertise and humor too. John took a genuine interest in the work and service of our lives. 

For me it was a sadness to sell my car and move to Nebraska knowing that I would not see him or Susan again this side of Glory.  It gave me such joy when they went on Safari and to stay in touch via FaceBook.

We are better for having known a man of his character. God bless you, John  in the Heavenly Realms. God comfort you, dear Susan as you grieve. Pastor Heidi McGinness

John Waldron you always had the best smile! I will miss you dearly. You were always happy to take the time to help me directly at the German Car Shoppe. Everything about you was amazing and you will be in my heart forever my friend ♥️

Gordon and Shalonda Sphincter will forever miss you brother John…. Love you forever!

RIP

I worked for John as a technician for about 5 years at the German Car Shoppe.  In that time, John became a mentor, a friend, and one of the most impactful people in my life.

John knew more about German cars than anyone I have ever met, and there was nothing that he couldn’t fix.  Despite his wealth of knowledge and the respect that he earned throughout the industry, John was always humble and could relate with anyone.  He was never too busy to help me work through a difficult diagnosis or repair, and I learned so much from him over the years.  Although John had an office up front, he always seemed most at home in the shop with his techs.  He had an amazing sense of humor and was always joking around and laughing with us.  His laugh and smile were contagious, and he had an unwavering positive attitude.  John had so many admirable traits, but I was always most amazed at how he never seemed to be affected by stress or pressure.  He was always relaxed, approachable, and I never saw him in a bad mood.  He was an amazing mentor to me, and I will forever cherish the time I got to spend learning from him.

In addition to being a great boss, John was also a true friend who stood by me in some of my hardest personal challenges.  He was genuinely concerned for my well-being and encouraged me to seek the help that I needed.  And when I decided to take an extended leave from work, he told me that my job would be waiting for me when I was ready to come back.  Most business owners are not invested in their employees like this, but John took care of his techs.  This is something that I will always be grateful for, and without John I would not be where I am today.

John was one of a kind, and I consider myself blessed to have known him.  He was a man of the highest integrity and character, and one of the hardest working people that I have ever met.  He was taken from us all too soon, and I will miss him deeply.  Goodbye John, and thank you for everything that you did for me.

My thought are with the whole family. Worked with John at Murray Motors for many years. Great time and alway seemed in good mood. Just hard to believe, so sorry for your loss. I just found out 1-10-2024. Wish I could be there

I have known John for many years.  In my opinion, he was one of the most knowledgeable individuals on the mechanics of German cars.  His talents and mechanical knowledge will be greatly missed.  I always enjoyed John’s easy going personality.  He would take all the time necessary to visit with you about anything.

John was the Greatest Person I knew . You are Truly Missed by myself and Everyone whose Life you Touched .  
 A True Gentleman, Scholar , Icon to the Automotive World , and Boss who Handle any Situation.
 You could Analyze anything  and  Repair anything  .
               I will Never Forget the Day you picked me up at DIA , the 2nd Day it was Open in March of 1995. We proceeded to Murray Motors . Talked for a Few Hours , sat down with Dave Johnson , Cracked open some Heineken and I was Hired. 
You always helped , not just in the Work Phase of everyday , but even with Life itself.  It's been a Long Road ,  You were Taken Too Soon...!!!!!
Go in Peace John, God Bless  , Clint Watkins

I met John when I was hired by Murray Motor Imports as Service Manager and John was the Shop Foreman. My First Impression of John was truly a special monument.  His Friendly Smile and Personality would lite up any room.  There wasn't a problem or mechanical failure that John couldn't figure out . He was truly a Mechanical Genius. John was given a God Given talent when working with technicians on a problem his ability to teach and mentor them through the process without given them the answer was truly inspirational. He would help them get the answer along knowing the answer. John was always there for anyone needing help to educate and mentor. The Automotive Industry has lost my friend and a Genius who touch the minds of many people. He will be missed. God Bless Glenn Hamill

Losing someone that you learned so much from is something that I still cannot fully accept. John Waldron will go down as the greatest boss that I have ever had the pleasure of working for to this day. He was a wealth of knowledge in the German car realm. Someone that anytime I needed help, would drop everything and figure out a solution to the issue. A gentleman that had stories would captivate your attention endlessly. But most of all he was a friend, an easy soul to talk to, to learn from, a mentor that truly made me persevere through a problem regardless of its severity. The last 15 years I have brought cars of questionable integrity to his garage. And yet somehow he managed to help keep every single one running to this day. The automotive world lost an irreplaceable icon that I will never forget. Thank you for all that you did John Waldron, I apologize for the oil spots I have left over the years on your garage floor. 🏁

John Waldron was one of the amazing men that you could meet.  Always had a smile on his face.  Always willing to mentor and help someone, his impact on people amazes me.  No one will ever love me the way he did.  He would look at me with that sparkle in his eye and tell me he loved me. He touched so many lives and everyone that met him knew he was kind and he would do anything for you.


I will miss the love, companionship, support and just being able to talk to you everyday.  I will miss the way you brought me coffee every morning and would give me kisses goodbye, come home every night and kiss me on the top of the head.  Ceite (the cat) misses her dad in the morning and falling down and getting her face petted with your toes.  You left us so quickly we had so much more to do in life. We had such an amazing life I have so many memories of the 23 years that I will always have.  You always gave the best hugs you would hug me and make me feel so safe.   Although you are not physically with me anymore you are always guiding me and taking care of me.

Most knowledgeable car guy I have ever met. Not bad guy to work for either.  We will keep your dream alive.  Thanks for everything John.. You will be greatly missed by all.

John was such a great man with plenty of smiles and humor to get us all through the work day!  I was so blessed to have known you, you will be missed♥️. Rest in peace John!

We are so saddened by the loss of our neighbor and friend. 

John was such a joy to be around, always smiling, and always there if  you needed him.  

He and Susan were so much fun to be around. Every time Susan had one of her girl gatherings at their house, John would always come out to say hello and visit. 

George and I will miss him dearly.  Sending our love and well wishes to Susan during this difficult time. 

George and Kerri Botsonis

It’s Dan McGee I loved him like a brother there are not very many people I respect much in the world but John is and always  will be who I respected the most I will miss him for years

John was my lunch buddy when we were at Murray’s. He is such a good guy. I know that he was a huge part of Todd’s growth and he will forever be missed. Love and hugs my friend!

Susan, I am so sorry and shocked by John’s passing . He was a great person , always friendly, honest and helpful. You were a great pair building a very successful business. Your love and respect for each other spilled over into the business.                                                                 I think back and remember John with good thoughts and memories. He made us all better people.                                                                         REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES!!

September 2, 2018 Zip Lining at Seven Peaks Music Festival in Buena Vista, CO

October 7-9, 2019 Cruise for Doug Widner’s Birthday to Ensenada and Catalina Island

John you will be greatly missed by many people that got to share your life. I was fortunate enough to work with you, you took me for a ride in the drag boat and handed me the steering wheel and we looked at each other and started laughing, you had the best dry sense of humor and cracked me up. I remember when you bought me a Christmas present and Susan was beside herself because you didn’t tell her what it was.  So many little things over the years and I am grateful I got to get a hug from you before you left us. Thank you John for taking care of Susan you were the love of her life. Don’t worry John as you watch over Susan she is surrounded by lots of people who will love and support her. Rest in peace my friend.

My heart is broken for the loss of my friend John and for his wife Susan. He was an amazing soul and so patient to put up with all of the mischief Susan and I caused. He had even began a new hobby of repairing jewelry for me. I loved his mischievous smile and quick wit. He will be greatly missed. 💔

With love,
Lisa Case

OBITUARY

John Thomas Waldron

July 27, 1957 – December 15, 2023

Olinger Andrews Caldwell Gibson Chapel

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