4 years ago today got that call from Thomas that his dad wouldn’t wake up to work on the truck. You not being sick makes it even harder.  4 years ago and you’re still remembered.  The boys and myself love and miss you.

I remember this being johns favorite picture of them all. John, Thomas and JJ in their dads arms when they were little.  

It’s been two years since you were taken from us without any notice, your work on earth was complete and it was your time to make heaven even more happier. Our boys and myself miss you tremendously. You’ll always be in our hearts and thoughts. RIP John.  

It's not the same without you brother! I miss traveling with you and your happy go lucky attitude. You can't be replaced. 


They called John chesty puller in the Corps, he would always volunteer to go in harms way for this great country.  I remember many times while being married he would say, I am volunteering to go to...... wherever he was needed.  Somalia was one, I remember the day he got his orders to go.  He did two west packs, I was scared for his safety but when he came home to me after being gone 6 months at a time, I knew he loved being a marine from the day I met him. His medals and ribbons meant everything to him and so did his spit shinned boots, along with his starched cammies.  I remember those Thursday night field days, back at the barracks, Sgt Galvan was loved by his troops   Semper Fi devil dog.  Ooorah! 

My memories all started back during Desert storm, when I first started to write John, he was my dear abbey pen pal. He sent me a picture and I told everyone I was going to marry him..... which we did Feb 22 1992, John the love of my life. We had so many happy memories, from the marine corps times, and after the marine corps. We have two beautiful boys, that we both love so much. Our two boys and myself, even though we weren’t married any longer are devastated by Johns sudden passing, when you’ve been married to someone for 21 years, with many many happy memories, the legacy continues on. Our boys and myself will continue on with Johns legacy of helping everyone, would give the shirt off his back even though, there were times he didn’t have much time to do so, but he would never say no.  John you will be missed dearly by my family you know you always had, welcoming arms, this passed Christmas I invited John over and he had the best time” like old times” he said. I told him 7 months ago to park the galaxie over at my house, which he took me up on and there it sits at the side of my house which we cherish on a daily bases.  John you will be missed by, JJ Thomas and myself, We love you for you. RIP john until we meet again.  Semper Fi devil dog  ooorah!  I love you!! Our boys and myself love you! 

My Dad was the type of guy who would give his shirt off his own back for someone, even if he barely knew them. His smile was contagious and his snoring was unbearable but his warm and caring character always shined through. He has taught me so much and there was so much more I wanted to learn and experience but through our mutual love of teaching I will carry on his legacy to the best of my ability. Thank you to everyone who has shared their stories and kept my Dad in their thoughts; in times like these, every memory is an additional puzzle piece my family can hold dear and near forever. I love you Daddy, Always and Forever...

We Love and miss you son.
Sue & Dennis McAllister 

John was the kindest person around. Always happy and always willing to help anyone. He touched so many lives with his laughter, that he will forever be missed in the hearts of all that knew him. This world will not be the same without him. Our prayers are with his family at this time of sorrow.

Harvey & Judi

my thoughts and prayers 
are with you and your family. It was a joy working with John at Hawthorne. I will never forget the warmth his smile brought to the office each and every day. John will always be in my heart and memories. 😓💞

Such sweet memories.

I am blessed to have been part of John's life. We travelled throughout the years to many different beautiful places together. Adventures for sure! I showed him the animal world from grooming to rescuing to rehoming stray animals. We had great times together. I miss you John, from your smile, your giggle, your presence throughout all of the years. I miss you coming down the driveway with all the dogs jumping for joy,  I miss Jalapeno John. 

Now John smiles in Heaven with Jesus. Tragedy stops us in our tracks, with a broken heart, a world we cannot get back.  

Love you always & Forever John, 

XoXo Gina of Bayonne 

John,  What can I say that others here haven't already.  Your intimidating size was no match for the size of your heart.  You poured into all that knew you with a selflessness of few I have ever met.  
Your technically ability was unmatched and your willingness to share that with others has impacted so many.  I have no doubts heaven had some broken gear and they needed Big John to put it back on-line.  
My hope is that I showed you in action that I loved you because I am not sure I ever said those words to you, just not what guys do.  

I learned so much from you as so many have.  Some of my best days on earth were spent traveling with you and the after hours shop talk and the more human moments sharing pain and triumph of life.  
My heart breaks, I will think of you often and always.  Gods speed, Fair Winds and Following Seas.  Until we meet again, Semper Fidelis.  
Dave King

John was a pleasure meeting you there never was a dull moment .you will be missed bye us .cant believe we saw you a week ago before you passed .may you rest in peace .you will not be forgotten you where one of a kind .

John was the best Instructor and friend I have ever had the privilege of meeting. You taught me so much and helped me any time I asked. I couldn't believe it when I heard you were gone. I will miss talking shop for hours with you. It doesn't seem possible I will never get to see you on the rode again.  We were not blood related but you were a true brother. Sore with the angels bro! I will never forget you! 

I will always remember growing up and believing the only "real" branch of service was the U.S. Marines. All because our big brother was one. We would always get so excited when you sent letters and pictures of your deployments. I still have your deployment pamphlets from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Somalia. I felt such pride when you announced I was going to be an uncle; not once but twice! You were always so proud to show pictures of your boys when you came out. I remember calling you with such enthusiasm when Green Bay won the Super Bowl against Pittsburgh, only for you to reiterate yet again, "Well, I'm a Denver fan", and quickly point out the the results of the Packers/Broncos Super Bowl. Your love and knowledge of cars and machinery was legendary; heaven forbid the subject get brought up during your visits because you could go on for hours! I am so happy you were able to meet my wife and son. I wish I'd had the foresight to have taken a picture when you hugged Chance before returning home after your last visit. Your nephew will grow up hearing cherished memories of his Uncle John and Uncle Jason. I didn't say it enough, but I love you big brother. I'm going to miss you so much.

John was a great friend, gentle soul, true professional, and engineer and motor transport subject matter expert. I have known him since he was a Sgt at 1st LSB, LSE Co, Maintenance Platoon; Over 30 years, and will truly miss his advice, mentoring, and friendship. I was blessed to have known him and will truly miss him. Semper Fi Brother! 

It was with profound grief we learned we had lost "Little John". I became his stepmother and first met him when he was 11 and I was 22. Even after I divorced his father, he kept in touch. We are his family, he is my son from another Mother. Although he only spent a few years in Wisconsin, he was very proud to claim it as home.  I held my breath as he joined the Marine Corp after high school, served during Desert Storm ( keeping us updated by letters), traveled the world, and didn't let my breath out until he decided to leave the Corp. John talked about his sons John Jr and Thomas all the time. He looked forward to any family events we had. He always had some project going on, and a heart of gold. I remember how close He was to his Grandfather Herschel, how he looked up to him. He leaves behind his sons, his mother and stepfather, his father, his brothers Jeff and Jesse. I'm sure he was welcomed to heaven by his brother Jason, who we lost over two years ago. John loved to travel  and meet people. He loved his vintage Ford Galaxie. As an only child he was thrilled to have brothers. My heart breaks for his family, especially mother to mother.  Semper Fidelis, God speed, forever in my heart John!

John was a wonderful man. Always enjoyed seeing him at Galvan family gatherings in Wisconsin. Rest in peace John! 🙏

I had the privilege to work directly with John for the last 7 years in the training of our armed forces on heavy equipment worldwide. John was instrumental in the success of training of over 5000 Service members.  He was very proud to have been able to travel the world and teach his knowledge to the younger generation of mechanics. Johns willingness to share and his patience made him top in his field. John has touched so many people in his trainings and he loved it, his students, and they loved him. Johns large frame might have been intimidating at first, but I learned quickly how gentle he was. John was one of the most kindest, warm, compassionate men I’ve ever meet. John would always bring back trinkets from his travels cause he knew I was collecting them. I’ll miss Johns booming voice, his smile and his sense of humor. God Speed my friend. Thank you for the time we spent together traveling, sharing stories over beers and grilling steaks. I know heaven is a better place because John has arrived. I love you my brother. JD.

OBITUARY

John James Galvan

November 24, 1966 – August 2, 2020

Eternal Hills Mortuary & Crematory at Eternal Hills Memorial Park

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